Free birth control is perhaps the easiest way to help prevent an unwanted pregnancy. There are agencies and clinics all over the world that want to help people in family planning situations like this.
Planned Parenthood is a resource that many people use when they cannot afford to pay for birth control. They have a program called the Family Planning Benefits Program, which men, women, and teenagers can qualify to get it for free. Once you are approved for the program, which is income based, you will receive birth control for a full year and even then you can renew your application.
There are various types of birth control that are distributed under this program. Condoms, oral contraceptives, the patch, and others so you may have your choice if you qualify for the program. In addition, once you qualify there are other benefits to the Family Planning Benefits Program, such as gynecological exams, testing for sexually transmitted infections, and counseling, including for HIV.
While adults will need to qualify based on income, teens will qualify regardless of their parent’s income and they can get contraception and other services confidentially. Even many adults who work full time qualify for the program as you can qualify if you are single and make less than $21,000 annually.
If there is no Planned Parenthood where you are and you are in need of assistance, call your nearest health department and ask if they have a free clinic or a program that distributes birth control to those who cannot afford it. Even small towns often have agencies or clinics that are willing to provide contraceptives to those who cannot afford them. You may also want to check with your doctor or health care provider. At the very least, often you can get free samples until you can find a more permanent solution.
