Birth Control

Birth control, also referred to as contraception, encompasses a variety of techniques, devices, and pharmaceuticals designed to intentionally prevent pregnancy before, during, or after sexual intercourse. These methods stop the release of a female egg from the ovary, block a male sperm from fertilizing an egg, sterilize an egg or sperm so that it cannot reproduce, or inhibit a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus. Access to affordable, highly effective contraception and its consistent use protects against unintended pregnancy, allows more effective planning for timing pregnancies, and bolsters reproductive health. The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) includes a goal to "improve pregnancy planning and spacing, and prevent unintended pregnancy," in part by increasing use of effective...