New York State Department of Health’s Comprehensive Family Planning and Reproductive Health Program Supports Access to Free or Low-Cost Contraception

Department Recognizes September 26 as World Contraception Day, Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting Reproductive Health Rights and Access to Contraception

Comprehensive Family Planning and Reproductive Health Program Serves Hundreds of Thousands of New Yorkers with More Than 70 Percent Leaving with Contraception of their Choice

ALBANY, N.Y. (September 26, 2025) – The New York State Department of Health recognizes today as World Contraception Day and emphasizes the right for all individuals to make their own reproductive decisions. World Contraception Day is observed annually on September 26. The global event is dedicated to promoting safe and effective contraception methods and the right of all individuals to choose for themselves the right time to start a family.

"It's everyone's right to make deeply personal reproductive health care decisions and to decide for themselves when to start or grow their family," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "The State Department of Health is committed to protecting these fundamental health care rights and ensuring contraception options are widely available and accessible."

At a time when reproductive rights are under threat across the U.S., New York State and the State Department of Health support an individual's right to make their own reproductive health care choices by ensuring increased access to a range of birth control methods.

The State Department of Health supports access to contraception through the NYS Comprehensive Family Planning and Reproductive Health Program (NYSFPP). Affordable and accessible reproductive and sexual health care is available at each family planning clinic. The program funds more than 160 family planning clinic sites across the state of New York, where individuals can obtain free or low-cost reproductive health services, including a wide range of contraceptive methods, emergency contraception, condoms, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, basic infertility services and related preventive health care.

Providers at NYSFPP clinics provide education and counseling on all forms of contraception so that individuals can make informed decisions and choose the contraceptive method that is right for them. In 2024, the NYSFPP served more than 250,000 clients with more than 70 percent leaving with a contraceptive method of their choice.

NYSFPP services are available to all, regardless of financial situation or insurance status, with discounted fees based on income level to ensure that contraception and related services are affordable and accessible.

Pharmacists in New York State are also empowered to dispense three types of hormonal contraception without a patient-specific prescription through a statewide standing order signed by State Health Commissioner McDonald in 2024. Pharmacists can dispense two types of oral hormonal pills as well as the hormonal vaginal ring and the hormonal contraceptive patch. When done at participating pharmacies, this measure increases access to safe and effective contraception, expanding legal family planning care to all

The nonprescription birth control OPill is available over the counter without having to speak with a pharmacist or needing insurance. Having this progesterone only over the counter pill comes after almost 20 years of advocacy and research working towards equitable access to birth control pills and is supported by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

Hormonal contraception is not the only type of contraception and it's important to remember that hormonal contraception does not protect from sexually transmitted infection (STI). There are also barrier methods, including condoms and diaphragms or cervical caps. Using condoms can offer protection against HIV and other STIs. An intrauterine device (IUD) is also available that does not contain hormones. Everyone should have the freedom and ability to choose which contraception method is right for them. Individuals can find more information on a range of birth control methods, including emergency contraception and reversible IUDs here.

To find a nearby NYSFPP clinic click here.

Individuals can find more information on a range of birth control methods, including emergency contraception and reversible IUDs here.