Reproductive Equity Now Foundation Publishes Implementation Plan to Expand Contraceptive Access
Despite strong protections in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, barriers in implementation, awareness, and utilization continue to limit real-world access to contraception
The report outlines a regional roadmap to close gaps through policy improvements, provider education, and expanded pharmacist access.
BOSTON (April 24, 2026) – Today, the Reproductive Equity Now Foundation published a new report titled Implementing Expansive Contraceptive Access: A Comprehensive Assessment and Strategic Action Plan for Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. This report is viewable both as a PDF document (available HERE) and via an interactive website (click HERE).
This roadmap includes:
A narrative of key takeaways from conversations with stakeholders reinforcing the need for meaningful implementation and increased awareness of state-level contraceptive policies;
An analysis of Reproductive Equity Now Foundation’s work and Learning Collaborative engagement in Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, and observations over the course of this 18-month Learning Collaborative; and
Recommended solutions for improved implementation and utilization of these key policy initiatives, targeted to prescribers, pharmacists, and policy makers.
“This report is the product of extensive research and collaboration over the past year. We heard from providers who stopped prescribing extended supplies because the system made it too hard, pharmacists who didn’t know these policies existed, and patients paying out of pocket for care that should have been free. These conversations made one thing clear: despite strong laws on the books, policy cannot reach the people they were designed to serve until they are understood, implemented, and actually used,” said Kate Glynn, Research and Policy Advisor at Reproductive Equity Now Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to our partners across the region and the nation who shared their expertise and helped us build a comprehensive understanding of the barriers patients face when accessing birth control. At a time when birth control is under attack nationwide, New England has led in passing expansive policies to increase equitable access—but those policies are not yet being fully realized. We hope this report sparks continued collaboration among providers, pharmacists, legislators, and regulators to advance implementation and utilization and ensure these protections translate into real access for patients across our region.”
To address stalled implementation and lagging utilization of contraceptive access laws across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, the Reproductive Equity Now Foundation launched a regional initiative to better understand state-specific challenges and develop solutions. The effort focused on three key policy areas:
No-copay coverage for a 12-month supply of hormonal contraceptives
Point-of-sale insurance coverage for both over-the-counter and prescription emergency contraception
Pharmacist-prescribed hormonal contraceptives
The initiative convened more than 90 stakeholders—including payors, providers, pharmacists, advocates, and government representatives—through a regional Learning Collaborative to identify barriers, improve awareness, and develop a roadmap of best practices to strengthen access.
“We’re proud to partner with the Reproductive Equity Now Foundation team and commend the meaningful progress they've made advancing this roadmap to expand contraception access across New England,” said Dr. Sally Rafie, PharmD, Founder of Birth Control Pharmacist. “The commitment to local organizing and strong community connections is driving real momentum on the ground, even in states where policies have been stalled for years. We’re grateful for the opportunity to support these efforts with our national expertise on policies and the implementation of pharmacist-prescribed contraception. This collaborative project is helping build a more equitable and accessible reproductive health landscape for the region.”
“This landmark roadmap reflects the tireless advocacy of the RENF team. At this time of critical provider shortages and escalating attacks on sexual and reproductive health care, expanding access to contraception is more urgent than ever. This roadmap is a clear, actionable, and powerful tool to help advocates, industry leaders, and state officials effectively implement contraceptive equity policies,” said Christina Piecora, Senior Policy Analyst at the National Health Law Program (NHeLP). “NHeLP is proud to have supported this effort and commends the RENF team for their leadership and impact.”
"Too often, when innovative legislation is adopted to improve reproductive and public health, there are insufficient resources allocated to ensure the necessary steps and stakeholder involvement for meaningful implementation,” said Jennifer Frizzell, Reproductive Health Care Access Strategist. “This has certainly been the case in New Hampshire, where laws to expand pharmacy access to contraception were adopted in 2018, and yet final administrative actions remained unfinished seven years later at the time when the Reproductive Equity Now Foundation launched this Collaborative in 2025. We’re in a better place now, just one year later, and the Collaborative really served to jumpstart the necessary communication and focus to overcome some persistent hurdles. It takes real intention to ensure the goals of a new policy are realized – leadership, investment, and engagement from non-governmental organizations, funders, advocates, agency-level officials, and technical experts. The dialogue and stakeholder engagement enabled by this Collaborative is not only essential for expanding access to reproductive health care but also has provided critical momentum and technical assistance for elevating the role of pharmacists in key areas of preventive health and chronic conditions beyond birth control."
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