Grant: Project Grant

Access to timely, effective, and affordable contraception is an ongoing challenge for youth in Canada. Unintended pregnancy can be life-altering, particularly for youth. Youth may experience limits to education and job training, resources for food and shelter, and a poorer start for their children. In spite of universal coverage of contraceptives in some regions, universal access remains a dream. Youth who wish to avoid pregnancy do not always use consistent or effective contraception. Uptake of highly effective, long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is <10% overall in Canada. This rate is even lower among youth. However national clinical guidelines list LARC as the number one recommended contraceptive method for youth. In similar nations, low uptake of LARC among youth may be due to a range of factors. Many youth have unfamiliarity with these methods. They may feel discomfort with insertion of the devices. The up-front cost of LARC is also high compared to less effective options. Youth may also lack access to health services that provide this contraceptive care. However there is limited published evidence on the factors that influence youth contraceptive choices in Canada. It is critical to understand the contraceptive attitudes, experiences, and needs of youth in Canada. This data is needed to plan low-barrier health services and resources that are best suited to their needs. Through our Contraception & Abortion Research Team, with established integrated knowledge translation partnerships in Canadian family planning practice and policy, this project will provide action to support equitable contraceptive choice and access for youth in Canada. We aim to empower youth to take control of their fertility on their own terms.