Plan A or Plan B: College-attending Emerging Adults’ Perceptions of Birth Control Access

• Marquaya Bennett, Elementary Teacher Education, University of Delaware

• Sara Goldstein, Education & Human Development, University of Delaware

The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences and opinions of college-attending emerging adults regarding researching and accessing birth control. Due to a variety of factors, gaining access to birth control can either be extremely difficult or easy. Additional research on this topic will be helpful to the students, healthcare providers/institutions, and parents/parental figures. Previous empirical research on this topic has primarily involved larger surveys and lacks information on students’ perspectives and experiences. Thus, the current research consisted of 14 interviews with college students aged 18-29. Each participant was asked questions about their views, preferences, and experiences concerning birth control and their knowledge of it, its accessibility, and their perceptions about it. As a result of this research, more information about how to help college-aged students will emerge and will inform schools, health professionals, and parents/parental figures. Importantly, it will provide guidance and support for college students seeking information and resources on the topic of birth control.