Founded in 2002, New Morning, a nonprofit entity rooted in Columbia, South Carolina, has been carrying out the noble cause of providing free and economical birth control to more than 530,000 women. However, a sudden and immense rise in demand for such services has been observed lately. The surge in women exploring long-acting birth control methods in South Carolina echoes the financial crises faced by groups like New Morning that work tirelessly to make these options accessible.
As stated by the CEO of New Morning, the upward trend in demand wasn’t sudden, but has been noticeable and consistent. This organization, ever since its establishment, has played a crucial role in decreasing the rate of unplanned pregnancies in South Carolina, endorsing affordable and accessible contraceptive services across various clinics in the state. Despite their valiant efforts, additional funding and assistance might be necessary to continue their mission.
Their struggle intensified in the aftermath of the Dobbs decision, which led to increased restrictions on abortions following the overruling of Roe v. Wade. This rule also enforced South Carolina’s six-week abortion ban, causing a surge of women to resort to New Morning for their contraceptive needs. The growing demand significantly precedes this decision; however, it’s undeniable that the new regulations may have expedited the trend.
New Morning, in collaboration with 134 clinics across the state and telehealth providers, strives to continue providing free or spiral birth control options during these challenging times. Fast forward to July 2023 till the termination of June, the group reportedly served over 88,000 women – marking their most significant count in a year, and an impressive rise of 16% from the previous year.
The team at New Morning estimate that their determination and efforts helped avoid around 19,000 unplanned pregnancies within that year. According to a recent poll, more than 80% of women between the ages of 18-49 admitted to using some form of contraception in the previous year, with a considerable fraction even utilizing more than one method. These affordable services are essential especially for the younger demographic.
However, it seems that even with employer-sponsored insurance coverage, nearly 25% of women with health insurance reportedly had to pay a part of the cost from their pockets. For those disadvantaged with inadequate insurance coverage, 1 in 5 had to discontinue their method of contraception due to the cost-making quality contraception inaccessible for many.
Women in South Carolina have been facing multifaceted complexities in obtaining proficient medical care. The situation becomes dire considering the state’s high poverty rate, it being in the top 10. A lack of access to education regarding contraception and family planning leaves many vulnerable. Furthermore, in about a third of the state’s counties, there is no practicing OB/GYN, traditionally considered the only source of contraceptive services.
Despite these roadblocks, New Morning has consistently found innovative ways to make birth control accessible to those in need. Since its commencement, the group has aided 530,000 women, resulting in 114,000 fewer unplanned pregnancies, 54,000 less unplanned births, and a total prevention of 38,000 abortions. This tireless work has saved taxpayers approximately $907 million in prevented costs.
The fertility landscape has considerably changed since New Morning’s inception over two decades ago. Unplanned pregnancy rates, once close to half of all pregnancies and even reaching 54.8 percent at one point, have seen a sharp decrease. Following a big drive launched in 2017, these rates have reduced to 37%, a 58% decrease according to data from the S.C. Department of Public Health.
The national unplanned pregnancy rate was recorded as 35.7% in 2019, as per the data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A significant aspect of bringing about this change involves working in close conjunction with hospitals to provide contraception to new mothers soon after childbirth to prevent subsequent pregnancies.
Following the November elections, young women exhibited increased interest in long-acting reversible contraceptives, otherwise known as LARCs, including intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants that slowly release hormones. Not only are these implants effective in preventing pregnancies over a span of 3-5 years, but certain IUDs can extend their efficiency over a decade.
However, running operations of this magnitude efficiently does not come without financial strains. New Morning expects to bear costs approximating $3.1 million to continue providing free or nominal cost birth control options for this year alone. Even though the organization is strained, ceasing these services is not seen as an option.
Finding alternative approaches is considered viable, such as suggesting a generic IUD over a name brand one unless specifically needed. Support from the S.C. Department of Health and Human Services, which supervises the Medicaid program, is anticipated. In the previous fiscal year, the group received a $2 million funding from that agency, manifesting positive hopes for future backing.