The Growing Crisis of Contraceptive Deserts

Two years have passed since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturned the constitutional right to abortion, and the fallout from this landmark case continues to reverberate across the country. While much attention has been given to the restrictions on abortion access, a concerning issue has quietly emerged: the widening gap in access to contraceptive care. With increasing numbers of women facing difficulties obtaining birth control and other reproductive health services, it’s clear that the effects of Dobbs extend far beyond abortion restrictions.

In a time marked by pivotal elections and shifting policies, Population Media Center is ready to meet this moment with urgency and purpose. Our mission to empower women and girls is more critical than ever, as we leverage the power of media to drive change. The fight for gender equality, reproductive health, and fundamental human rights now demands renewed focus, ensuring these values are upheld in communities everywhere. 

We create media that educates, inspires, and centers those most affected and most empowered to drive cultural change. Together, we work to ensure that everyone can thrive—today and for generations to come. 

Crossing the Line

Our 10-episode docu-style podcast, Crossing the Line (CTL) follows the incredible journeys of women, non-binary people, doctors, doulas, and advocates who traverse state lines, the law, and numerous barriers to providing or accessing safe abortion. These journeys occur as SCOTUS overruled Roe v. Wade, leading to one of the most restrictive and volatile times in almost 50 years for the fight for reproductive freedom in the U.S.

The numerous and egregious challenges accessing safe abortion in the U.S., particularly for marginalized people, have rarely been documented in a doc-follow podcast format. This series puts the listener in an individual’s shoes as they navigate untraveled roads. The identity of those seeking abortions will be kept anonymous.

Each episode features a unique first-person narrative of an individual seeking an abortion or those who work tirelessly to enable access. Stories begin when the subject chooses to terminate a pregnancy, seeks help from an abortion fund or support services, or travels far distances to a clinic for a surgical or medical abortion. Additionally, interviews with leading doctors, activists, and experts illuminate what is at stake as abortion deserts expand and rights are restricted.

The Rise of Contraceptive Deserts


A recent study by the Guttmacher Institute has highlighted a disturbing trend since the Dobbs decision: women are struggling more than ever to access their preferred contraceptive methods. This is due to a variety of factors, including the growing phenomenon of “contraceptive deserts”—areas where access to contraception is severely limited. In particular, OB-GYNs are increasingly choosing not to practice or train in states with restrictive abortion laws, exacerbating the shortage of reproductive health providers in these regions.

The Dobbs decision has sparked confusion and misinformation about the legality of contraception in states where abortion is now prohibited, particularly with regard to emergency contraception like Plan B. Many women in these areas are left uncertain about what options are legally available to them, creating further barriers to obtaining timely and necessary care. 

The Disproportionate Impact on Underserved Communities


The difficulties in accessing contraception have always been felt most acutely by underserved communities, and the Dobbs ruling has deepened these disparities. Women of color, those with lower incomes, and immigrant women have reported higher rates of difficulty in obtaining contraception and lower satisfaction with the care they receive. These groups also experience higher levels of misinformation about available services and face significant delays in accessing their preferred methods.

The Guttmacher study underscores the alarming reality that many of these women are now facing even greater challenges in managing their reproductive health, with many left to make difficult decisions with limited options. For women born outside the U.S. and those with low incomes, the struggle is even more pronounced, as they often lack the resources or support systems to navigate a fractured and confusing healthcare system.

What’s at Stake: The Ongoing Threat to Reproductive Rights


As the effects of Dobbs continue to unfold, it’s clear that the decision has done more than restrict abortion access—it has created a new and dangerous landscape for contraceptive care. In some of the most restrictive states, women are already reporting a sharp decline in birth control prescriptions, with a 5% drop in the first year after Roe v. Wade was overturned. Emergency contraception prescriptions have plummeted by 65% in states with the strictest bans, compared to states with more moderate restrictions.

Even more alarming is the fact that 19 million women of reproductive age are estimated to live in “contraceptive deserts,” meaning they lack reasonable access to a health center offering the full range of birth control options. As some lawmakers continue to target birth control access, the situation is poised to worsen, with certain states already challenging federal policies that would make birth control more accessible to minors.

The Call to Action: Expanding Access to Contraceptive Care


Listening to Crossing the Line is just the beginning. The campaign’s impact is multiplied when listeners take what they’ve learned and apply it. By tuning in to CLT, you’re not only gaining access to conversations about critical issues—you’re being called to be a part of the change. Whether it’s by amplifying the voices of those most affected, sharing the educational tools provided by PMC, or engaging with the solutions being offered, your involvement matters.

Here are a few ways you can support Crossing the Line and join the movement:

• Tune in to the Podcast: Start by listening to the latest episodes and immerse yourself in the powerful stories that are shaping social change.
• Spread the Word: Share CLT with your network, whether that’s through social media or in conversations with friends and family.
• Get Involved: Participate in the campaign by donating to support PMC and the work we do, volunteering with local organizations, or starting your own community initiatives.

The Dobbs decision has forever changed the landscape of reproductive health in the U.S., and the consequences are far-reaching. Access to contraception—once considered a fundamental right—is now at risk for millions of women across the country. As we continue to navigate this uncertain landscape, it’s essential that we stand together to advocate for greater access to contraceptive care and ensure that every person has the freedom to make informed choices about their reproductive health.

By listening, sharing, and acting, you can help ensure that issues like reproductive justice, gender equality, and healthcare access stay at the forefront of public consciousness. Our mission is more important now than ever as we continue to fight for patient-centered, equitable contraceptive care for all.