Degree Name
Master of Health Administration (MHA)
Document Type
Thesis
School
School of Business
Department
Health Care Administration
Date of Original Version
August 2023
Abstract
This study provides an overview of the research conducted on adolescent contraceptive access across the United States and its impact on teenage birth rates. The study aims to investigate the current state of access to contraceptives for adolescents across different states in the US. Access to contraceptives is crucial to adolescent health because it may play a role in preventing teenage pregnancy. Teenage pregnancy is adverse because the significant social and economic expenses associated with it negatively impact both individual families and society. This study's findings reveal a significant disparity in adolescent contraceptive access across the United States, with some states having more accessible and comprehensive contraceptive services than others. This study also found a correlation between contraceptive access and teenage birth rates, with states with more accessible contraceptive services having lower teenage birth rates. Adopting laws similar to that of Massachusetts might serve as a model for federal-wide legislation. The law in Massachusetts explicitly stipulates that individuals of any age have the right to access birth control, ensuring their privacy is fully safeguarded by legal provisions. The implications of this research can be used to inform policy and decision-making in the healthcare industry to reduce teenage birth rates and promote the well-being of adolescents.
Recommended Citation
Angel, Lesley, "The Disparity in Adolescent Contraceptive Access Across the United States and Its Impact on Teenage Birth Rates" (2023). Master's Theses, Dissertations, Graduate Research and Major Papers Overview. 442.
https://digitalcommons.ric.edu/etd/442