Virginity pledges do not work, yet another study confirms
Teens who take "virginity pledges" are just as likely to have sex as those who do not, and they are less likely to use condoms or other forms of contraception when they become sexually active, according to an analysis in the January 2009 issue of the peer-reviewed journal Pediatrics...more
Bush administration publishes flawed "refusal right" rule
Despite broad opposition, the Department of Health and Human Services, on December 19, published a controversial rule that vastly expands the rights of individuals and institutions to refuse to provide health care services to which they object. The rule will impede access to critically important health care services and even to basic information related to these services...more
Read the Guttmacher Institute’s letter opposing the new rule here.
Many British teens view sexual experiences in positive light
New research finds that most British teens have positive feelings about their first and most recent sexual experiences. Yet nearly one-third regretted their first time; this finding was more likely to be true for young women than for young men…more
Abortion laws liberalized in 16 countries since 1998
© Comstock Select/CorbisIn the 10 years since the last global review of abortion policies, 16 countries have increased the number of grounds on which abortions may be legally performed, while two have eliminated all such grounds…more
Evidence shows that restrictive policies do not lead to fewer abortions. Abortion rates are roughly equal in countries where the procedure is legal and where it is illegal, according to recent worldwide estimates from the Guttmacher Institute and the World Health Organization (WHO)…more
Advocates call for making contraceptive use easier
A growing number of women’s health advocates are urging bolder and potentially transformative steps toward greater “contraceptive convenience,” with the aim of making contraceptive use easier by stripping away layers of medical intervention or requirements that are outmoded or unnecessary...more
Broad opposition to proposed federal “refusal right” rule
A wide range of organizations and individuals have submitted letters opposing a new rule proposed by the Department of Health and Human Services, which would vastly expand the rights of individuals and institutions to refuse to provide health care services to which they object. The rule could impede access to critically important health care services, and even basic information related to these services...more
Read the Guttmacher Institute’s letter opposing the new rule here
Overall abortion decline masks growing disparities
The U.S. abortion rate is at its lowest level since 1974, down 33% from its peak in 1980. However, this overall trend masks large disparities in rates of unintended pregnancy and abortion across demographic subgroups...more
Improved access to high-quality, affordable contraceptive services is among the steps needed to reduce health disparities...more
Take Guttmacher’s annual pop quiz
How much do you know about sexual and reproductive health? To find out, take our annual pop quiz, developed by Guttmacher researchers and policy experts. Although the issues are in the news all the time, the facts are all too frequently misrepresented, and you may be surprised by what you learn...more
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