Contraception Responses to Abortion Bans

Abstract

We examine whether state abortion bans after Dobbs changed prescription contraception use among commercially insured women. Using longitudinal claims data and a stacked difference-in-differences design, we study contraception initiation among prior nonusers and switching from short-acting to long-acting methods among existing users, including heterogeneity by distance to the nearest abortion facility. Despite a gradual nationwide decline in contraception use, we find no evidence that post-Dobbs restrictions increased take-up or shifted women toward long-acting methods.