Women Who Use Birth Control Are the 99 Percent

Regardless of race, age, or religion, virtually every American woman who's ever had sex has also used some form of birth control. Yet efforts to block millions of women's access to contraception have reached new heights. Below, a quick reality check on just how widespread (and uncontroversial) contraception use is for the overwhelming majority of American women.

We Are the 99 Percent 

Contraceptive use among American women of reproductive age who have had sex (2006-2008). Note: Excludes natural family planning

Source: Guttmacher Institute (PDF) 

The Body Politic

American women ages 15–44 who have had sex and used contraception, by race (2006-2008)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (PDF)

By Any Means Necessary

Contraceptive methods used by American women ages 15–44 who have had sex (2006-2008)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (PDF)

With web production by Jaeah Lee, Tim McDonnell, and Samantha Oltman

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Dave Gilson

Senior Editor

Dave Gilson is a senior editor at Mother Jones. Read more of his stories, follow him on Twitter, or contact him at dgilson (at) motherjones (dot) com. RSS | Twitter

Maddie Oatman

Research Editor

Maddie Oatman is the research editor at Mother Jones. For more of her stories, click here. To follow her on Twitter, click here. RSS | Twitter