Media release

From: New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA)

Key Points

• There have been significant changes in contraceptive starts among Family Planning clients over the past decade.
• There has been a significant increase in long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) starts and a significant decrease in short-acting contraceptive starts between 2009 and 2019.
• This research shows that cost of the contraceptive is a barrier to use.
• Although cost is a clear barrier, this research shows there are other differences in contraceptive starts by ethnicity and deprivation which cannot be explained by cost alone.
• Information about contraceptive use and changes over time, by age and ethnicity, is essential for evidence-based policy, funding decisions and ensuring equitable access to contraception.

Summary
This research investigates changes in what contraceptives Family Planning clients chose to use in 2009, 2014 and 2019. The research found that clients in 2019 were more likely to use long-acting reversible contraceptives (eg, an implant or Mirena) than short-acting reversible contraceptives (eg, the pill or Depo Provera) as compared to 2009. The research found that if a contraceptive were free, clients would be more likely to choose it, but also, that there would be differences in what contraceptives were chosen based on ethnic group and poverty level that did not relate to whether the contraceptive was free or not. We need more information about what contraceptives people choose to use, and why, so we can make sure everyone can access what is best for them.