NEW JERSEY — Despite widespread contraceptive use in New Jersey, many residents continue to face barriers to obtaining their preferred birth control methods and reproductive health services, according to a new report developed by researchers at the Rutgers School of Public Health.
The report, prepared in partnership with the New Jersey Family Planning League, examined contraceptive use, health care provider availability and access to publicly funded family planning services throughout the state.
Researchers identified geographic and demographic disparities, finding that income, insurance coverage and access to health care providers can influence contraceptive choices and reproductive health decisions.
“New Jersey has built a strong foundation for contraceptive care, but many people still are unable to get the care they want and need,” said Laura D. Lindberg, a professor at the Rutgers School of Public Health and director of its online sexual and reproductive health, rights and justice master of public health degree. “Our research identifies important gaps in contraceptive use, provider availability, and access to reliable information that we have an opportunity to address.”
According to the report, most women in New Jersey use contraception, primarily relying on short-acting methods and condoms. However, researchers found differences between the methods women prefer and those they ultimately use, particularly among individuals facing financial or insurance-related barriers.
The study also found that the need for publicly funded contraceptive services varies across New Jersey, with greater demand among young people, lower-income communities and communities of color.
Researchers said the findings highlight the importance of directing reproductive health resources toward underserved populations and addressing regional differences in access to care, particularly in rural communities.
The report emphasizes that access to contraception involves more than the availability of birth control methods. Researchers said individuals also need reliable information, financial resources and appropriate support to make informed reproductive health decisions.
To address the identified gaps, the report outlines five recommendations for improving contraceptive care throughout New Jersey.
The recommendations include providing high-quality, noncoercive care that respects individual preferences, expanding access in rural and underserved areas, and improving access to contraception during pregnancy-related and postpartum care.
Researchers also recommend protecting adolescents’ ability to obtain affordable prescription contraception with appropriate privacy protections and addressing contraceptive misinformation through accurate, culturally responsive education.
The report is intended to help guide policy decisions, funding priorities and coordination among organizations providing reproductive health services throughout New Jersey.
The full report, titled “Contraceptive Use and Care in New Jersey 2026,” is available through the New Jersey Family Planning League.
