# Millions lack affordable birth control access

> New mapping data shows 21 million American women live in counties with limited contraception access.
- Title: Millions lack affordable birth control access · NPR | Shortify
- Summary: New mapping data shows 21 million American women live in counties with limited contraception access. 21 million women in the U.S. live in areas where…
- Keywords: birth control, contraception, reproductive health, healthcare access, united states, women's health, affordable care, health disparities, county data, mapping study, news, Millions
- Source: NPR — https://npr.org/2026/09/16/nx-s1-5956869/birth-control-contraception-access-clinic
- Published: 2026-09-16T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: birth control, contraception, reproductive health, healthcare access, united states, women's health, affordable care, health disparities, county data, mapping study, news
## New maps show contraception deserts
Researchers have created maps revealing where Americans struggle to access affordable birth control.
## 21 million women affected
That's how many women live in U.S. counties with limited access to affordable contraception.
## Geographic gaps are massive
The new data exposes huge regional disparities in where women can get birth control.
## Access means affordability too
The maps specifically track affordable options, not just whether clinics exist nearby.
## County-level data now available
This is the first time researchers have mapped birth control access at the county level across America.
## Key takeaway

21 million women in the U.S. live in areas where affordable birth control is hard to access.