Contraceptives - A family Focused Tool
Contraception can be one of the greatest tools for safely, affordably and effectively growing a family. When we collectively talk about birth control, the conversation is often about pregnancy prevention, but what is missed is the nuance that contraception improves health and economic outcomes for families and even supports their growth. Access to birth control gives individuals and couples the power to choose when and how to have children leading to better outcomes in their health, economic stability, and ultimately leads to a more prosperous Idaho. And when people feel more confident and in control, they’re often more willing to build their families to the size they want and work towards the necessary means to support them.
We have been, and will always be, advocates for Idaho families. As board members of the Idaho Contraceptive Education Network (ICEN), we are committed to facilitating healthy, respectful dialogue about the many ways birth control can support families at every stage. Our network and membership, comprised of hundreds of Idahoans across the state have raised their own families or varying sizes, utilizing tools like contraception to do so on their terms. As a statewide network, we advocate in order to dispel myths and sharing real information about contraception, which can and does support healthy, growing families in numerous ways.
Imagine a future where every Idahoan has the ability to grow their family with intention. One big factor in whether families feel able to keep growing is their ability to space pregnancies. Health experts, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, recommend waiting at least 18 months between births to lower health risks for both mother and baby. As couples build families, planning for the desired spacing of their children is important. Couples who can space pregnancies may be more likely to grow their family to the desired size when the risk of complications is reduced. Access to contraception allows Idahoans to pursue education, careers, and financial stability – all important factors for building healthy families. The freedom to pursue financial security doesn’t diminish the desire to become parents—it often makes couples more prepared and excited to do so when the time is right.
Available and affordable contraception truly allows couples to think clearly about what they want their family to look like and to pursue those goals intentionally. Studies show that people are more likely to reach their desired number of children when they have access to effective contraception. Couples should be allowed to determine what they want their family to look like and have the freedom and tools to make choices reflective of their goals, values, and readiness. This kind of intentionality is important—it allows people to consider not just how many children they want, but also when they want them, what kind of life they hope to provide, and how parenthood fits into other aspects of their lives. Being intentional doesn’t mean having everything figured out perfectly, but it does mean making informed, thoughtful decisions rather than being caught off guard by circumstances.
Contraception has also been proven to help to-be parents stay in the workforce, complete school or training, and build financial security before becoming parents. That’s not a detour—it’s a foundation. Delaying childbearing for the right reasons often leads to being in a better position to raise multiple children, and if those options do not exist it is possible families may opt out of growing their families. Access to effective contraception plays a crucial role in supporting this intentional approach. Without that access, they may be more vulnerable to unplanned pregnancies, which can make it harder to reach the family structure and size envisioned. Contraception isn’t just about prevention—it’s about empowerment. It gives couples the ability to align their reproductive lives with their long-term hopes and plans, rather than leaving something so significant up to chance.
If we’re serious about supporting families in Idaho, we need to start by empowering people to build the families they envision. Birth control plays an important role in that—it allows couples to plan for children when they’re ready, creating the stability and intention that strong families are built on. Ensuring Idahoans have the ability to prepare for parenthood better equips them to raise children in healthy, secure, and thriving homes.
- The Idaho Contraceptive Education Network Board of Directors