ROCKLAND—Young women in Knox County may be eligible for free, reliable, long-lasting birth control, thanks to a grant-funded initiative offered through Rockland Family Planning.

The program is open to residents of Knox County's 18 municipalities (listed below), age 20 or younger, who are not covered by MaineCare or other insurance or who can't use the insurance they have due to privacy concerns (i.e. teens covered under a parent's plan). The initiative covers a clinic visit and insertion of a Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive (LARC) method, such as Mirena or Nexplanon, as well as potential follow-up visits or co-incidental services like an STI screening.

ROCKLAND— A national study recently found that the US abortion rate has significantly declined, in part due to increased and improved contraceptive use among American women leading to fewer unintended pregnancies. This includes a marked uptick in the use of LARCs—particularly intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants—across demographic groups.

LARC insertion is simple, quick, and painless. As a birth control method, LARCs are highly effective (much more so than the pill, patch, or ring), and 100% reversible. Different brands are approved for use for 3-7 years (and some for as long as 10-12 years). Fertility returns quickly after removal of a LARC device.

Rockland Family Planning staff members Susan Lord and Rilla Bray report that the young adults aged 14-20 who have come in for LARCs are thrilled to have access to such a safe and convenient contraceptive option.

"The most common time to have an unintended pregnancy is in the teenage years," says Lord, a nurse practitioner. "This grant helps us prevent such pregnancies by providing birth control that's consistent, reliable, and effective. LARCs help us meet young adults where they are—constantly on the move, seeking convenience and portability."

Community Outreach Coordinator Bray notes that positive peer support has been a factor in many patients' decision to pursue this method of birth control.

"Of the patients we've seen, many came in to get their LARC put in after a friend got one," she says. "Others came in after the election, concerned about future access in this political climate. Still others had a LARC put in before they even had sex, because they wanted a good, reliable method before they took that step."

Knox County includes: Appleton, Camden, Cushing, Friendship, Hope, Isle Au Haut, Matinicus Isle, North Haven, Owls Head, Rockland, Rockport, South Thomaston, St George, Thomaston, Union, Vinalhaven, Warren and Washington.

For more information or to make an appointment, contact Rockland Family Planning at (207) 594-3114 or visit www.mainefamilyplanning.org.