Birth Control in Uncertain Times: Why You Shouldn’t Wait Another Day

Let’s get straight to it: if you’ve been putting off getting reliable birth control, stop—and schedule that appointment today.

This isn’t just about health. It’s about power, protection, and preparation in a moment when all three are under threat.

We’re living in a time of political instability, legal backsliding, and rapidly shifting rules around bodily autonomy. In some states, abortion is banned. In others, emergency contraception is being restricted. And access to long-term birth control isn’t guaranteed if clinics close or policies change.

If things continue on this trajectory, access to healthcare—including contraception—could be disrupted overnight. And if that happens, getting pregnant when you don’t want to be won’t just be inconvenient. It could be devastating.

This isn’t fear-mongering. It’s foresight. And the time to take control is now.

🛑 What’s at Stake?

We’ve already seen what happens when reproductive rights are left vulnerable to political whims. After Roe fell, states moved quickly to ban abortion. Now, some are quietly targeting birth control—by limiting what pharmacies can dispense, or framing IUDs and emergency contraception as “abortifacients,” despite scientific consensus to the contrary.

This moment requires more than just resistance. It requires readiness.

🔒 What You Can Do Today

Here are specific, concrete steps to protect yourself—no matter what politicians or courts do next:

✔️ Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs)

IUDs and implants (like Nexplanon) last 3–10 years depending on the type. Once placed, they work no matter what happens with laws or pharmacy access.

• Hormonal IUDs (like Mirena, Liletta, Kyleena)

• Copper IUD (non-hormonal, also usable as emergency contraception)

• Nexplanon (subdermal implant, effective for 3 years)

These are some of the most effective and low-maintenance methods available today.

✔️ Pills, Patches, or Rings

If you’re on a method that requires frequent refills—like birth control pills, the patch, or the vaginal ring—make sure you have a backup supply:

• Ask for a 90-day refill

• Use mail-order pharmacies

• Consider telehealth providers like Nurx or Twentyeight Health if in-person care is hard to access

Stocking up now ensures you’re covered if supply chains or local access are disrupted.

⚠️ Emergency Contraception: What You Should Know Before You Need It

Emergency contraception (EC) is a post-coital method used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected or inadequately protected sex.

It is not the same as abortion. EC works before a pregnancy is established, typically by delaying ovulation or preventing fertilization. It has no effect once implantation has occurred.

🕰 Why You Should Keep EC On Hand

You don’t want to be searching for a pharmacy at 11PM after a condom breaks.

Having EC in your medicine cabinet means:

• You can act quickly

• You’re not dependent on pharmacy hours or politics

• You reduce stress during an already urgent moment

🔍 A Quick Guide to Emergency Contraception Options

1. Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step and generics)

• Most common EC in the U.S., available over-the-counter with no age restriction

• Single-dose (1.5 mg), best taken ASAP after intercourse

• FDA-labeled for use within 72 hours, but may have limited effectiveness in people with BMI >25

2. Ulipristal Acetate (Ella)

• Prescription-only in the U.S., but available via telehealth

• Effective for up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex

• More effective than Plan B for people with BMI >25

• Maintains consistent efficacy across the 5-day window

3. Copper IUD (Paragard)

• Most effective EC method overall

• Can be placed within 5 days of unprotected sex

• Works by impairing sperm function and possibly preventing implantation

• Provides ongoing contraception for up to 10 years

• Efficacy is unaffected by body weight

💊 How They Work

• Plan B (levonorgestrel): Delays or prevents ovulation

• Ella (ulipristal acetate): Prevents ovulation even after LH surge has started

• Copper IUD: Disrupts sperm motility and may alter the uterine lining

These methods do not terminate existing pregnancies, and none are considered abortion by medical definition.

🧍🏽‍♀️ Weight, Timing, and Efficacy

Body weight can affect EC effectiveness, particularly for pills:

If you’re over 165–175 lbs, Ella or a copper IUD are better choices than Plan B.

📦 Stock Up Now

Here’s your EC preparedness checklist:

✅ Keep Plan B in your medicine cabinet, just in case

✅ Ask your provider for a prescription for Ella, especially if you’re over 165 lbs

✅ Know where and how to access a copper IUD placement on short notice

✅ Don’t wait until you need EC—plan ahead now

✔️ What If You’re Considering Sterilization?

If you’ve made the decision not to carry any future pregnancies, now is the time to act. While still legal, sterilization procedures (like salpingectomy or tubal ligation) may become harder to access—particularly in states where reproductive rights are under attack.

• Find a provider who supports your decision

• Be aware that some may require additional paperwork or counseling

• Get on the schedule sooner, not later

Final Words

We don’t know what the next six months will bring. But what we do know is this:

📍 Your ability to prevent pregnancy is a pillar of your freedom.

📍 Your ability to make medical choices shouldn’t depend on your zip code.

📍 Your preparation today could protect you tomorrow.

So if you’ve been meaning to switch methods, get stocked up, ask for a prescription, or just finally get that IUD—now is the time.

Stop scrolling. Call your provider. Make the plan.

You deserve care. You deserve protection. You deserve the ability to choose your future—on your terms.