A new brief in collaboration with the Baker Institute’s Center for Health Policy examines contraceptive use in Texas from 2014 to 2023, trends in unmet preferences, and barriers to reproductive health care by insurance status, with the aim of informing policy solutions to improve access across the state.
The study shows:
- Over half of reproductive-aged Texas women do not use their preferred contraceptive method.
- Uninsured and publicly insured women are less likely to use preferred contraception.
- Insurance gaps create persistent barriers to reproductive health care in Texas.
These findings underscore the structural shortcomings that limit Texans’ access to reproductive health care and reproductive autonomy. Three complementary strategies would make it possible for Texans to use their preferred method — particularly the permanent and long-acting types that many want but cannot afford, due to their higher upfront costs.
- Expand health care coverage.
- Increase public program provider networks.
- Strengthen the safety net.
Read the brief here.
*Note: The study covered Texas women and residents assigned female at birth, between the ages of 18-49, who were not pregnant, not trying to become pregnant, and have ever had sex with a male partner.
