New Power to Decide Data Underscore that Young People Need High-Quality Birth Control Information
Power to Decide has released findings from the national Youth Reproductive Health Access (YouR HeAlth) Survey, an initiative that assesses young people’s knowledge, attitudes, and experiences with contraception and abortion information and services.
The 2025 YouR HeAlth Survey was conducted online in July, with over 1,200 adolescents and young adults (AYA) aged 15-29 who were assigned female at birth. The YouR HeAlth Survey 2025 Data Report presents select findings. In honor of Thanks, Birth Control Day this week we’re highlighting some of the results specific to birth control.
Overall, about one-third of AYA do not have sufficient information to make a decision about what method to use. There were notable disparities for young people under the age of 18—half do not have sufficient information to make informed decisions about what birth control method is right for them. Findings from the knowledge assessment indicate notable knowledge gaps about birth control, aligning with a recent publication from the 2024 data. More than a year after the FDA approval of the first over-the-counter birth control pill without any age restrictions, only about one in ten AYA know that over-the-counter pills are available to teenagers under the age of 18 without a prescription.
Young people also have misconceptions about the safety of birth control. For example, half incorrectly believe that taking a break from birth control pills is necessary for health reasons. Half worry that birth control has dangerous side effects, and one-third worry that using birth control will affect their ability to have a baby later in life.
These findings underscore the importance of equipping AYA with trusted, resonant, and accurate information. However, one-third of AYA did not receive any information about birth control in the past year. Additionally, many young people do not receive information from their preferred sources. Mirroring the discrepancies between preferred and actual sources observed in the 2024 YouR HeAlth Survey and a 2023 survey. For example, the vast majority of young people (85%) want to receive birth control information from health care providers, yet only 42% received information from this source in the past year.
The 2025 Survey included a new item to assess how young people want to receive information from providers. The vast majority of AYA reported wanting information from a provider at an in-person appointment (90%); compared with information from a provider at a telehealth appointment (39%) or resources that a provider created or shared on a website (40%) or on social media (18%). Even though young people want information from an in-person appointment, two-fifths are not fully confident they can find a provider they trust to provide birth control services. Only 44% of minors are completely confident they can find a provider.
Findings from the 2025 YouR HeAlth Survey highlight the importance of resources that help young people get trusted information and navigate barriers to access birth control. Power to Decide’s unique digital programs, Bedsider and AbortionFinder, can be used by young people and their support systems to find trusted, resonant, and accurate sexual and reproductive health information. As the finding about young people wanting information from providers at an in-person appointment underscores in this year’s survey, connecting young people to contraceptive care is essential, and Bedsider.org includes a clinic finder, in addition to offering information about other service delivery options.
These tools can provide young people with the information they need to access the contraceptive care they want and deserve. While information is necessary, it is not sufficient, so it is critical that the field also continues to strengthen the availability, accessibility, affordability, and quality of health services. To that end, Power to Decide has launched Bedsider Providers+ to equip providers with policy updates, social media trends shaping patients’ beliefs, and the latest clinical information and research to support providers delivering person-centered care. Check out the 2025 YouR HeAlth Survey questionnaire and methodology, and join us in saying Thanks, Birth Control.
