New research published by Beyond the Pill researchers in Contraception shows that although birth control injections that people can administer themselves increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, the method availability remains persistently low.
Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate-subcutaneous (Depo-SubQ) is a lower hormone injectable method that can accessed directly at the pharmacy and administered at home without a clinic visit. Researchers found that US providers became 3.4 times more likely to provide Depo-SubQ during the pandemic. However, the method was still only available at 14% of surveyed clinics, and 44% of providers reported being unfamiliar with the method.
Independent abortion care clinics and clinics receiving Title X funds were more likely to offer Depo-SubQ for self-administration during the pandemic compared to primary care settings.
The findings suggest that expanded provider training and awareness across different practice settings may increase access to this birth control method. Additional barriers such as cost, billing, insurance coverage, and pharmacy availability suggest the need for additional interventions in these areas. Increased availability to the full range of methods, including Depo-SubQ, is especially urgent post Dobbs, as patients face greater barriers to care.