Researchers Reveal Gaps in Contraceptive Care Throughout New Jersey

Faculty at the Rutgers School of Public Health spot disparities in contraceptive use, availability and access to care in the state

Despite widespread contraceptive use in New Jersey, many residents continue to face barriers to obtaining the reproductive health care and contraceptive methods they prefer, according to a report developed by Rutgers School of Public Health faculty in partnership with the New Jersey Family Planning League.

In the new report, researchers examined contraceptive use, provider availability and the reach of publicly funded services throughout the state. Its findings reveal geographic and demographic disparities, highlighting how income, insurance coverage and access to care can shape 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."

The researchers found most women in New Jersey use contraception, primarily relying on short-acting methods and condoms. However, the findings reveal differences between the contraceptive methods women prefer and those they ultimately use, particularly among those facing financial or insurance-related barriers.

The need for publicly funded contraceptive services is unevenly distributed across the state with greater need concentrated among young people, lower-income communities and communities of color, according to the report. These disparities highlight opportunities to better align reproductive health services and resources with the needs of New Jersey residents.

In the report, the researchers emphasized that meaningful access to contraceptive care extends beyond the availability of contraceptive methods. It also requires ensuring that individuals have the information, resources and support needed to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

The report outlines five recommendations to strengthen contraceptive care in New Jersey, providing an evidence-based resource to inform policy decisions, guide investments and improve coordination among organizations delivering reproductive health services:

1. Center preferences and quality: Provide high-quality, non-coercive contraceptive care that respects individual preferences and reproductive autonomy.
2. Advance geographic equity: Reduce regional inequities by expanding contraceptive access in rural and underserved communities.
3. Ensure postpartum contraceptive access: Support equitable access to desired postpartum contraception across prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care settings.
4. Protect adolescent autonomy: Enable adolescents to obtain prescription contraception affordably, with privacy protections and without unnecessary barriers.
5. Counter contraceptive misinformation: Actively counter misinformation through accurate, culturally responsive education and trusted communication channels.