---
title: "In Control: Our Stories, Our Lives, Our Birth Control"
date: 2025-09-15T11:58:00-04:00
author: Jonese Austin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/in-control-our-stories-our-lives-our-birth-control"
section: "Stories & Conversations"
---
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[Stories & Conversations](/stories-conversations)# In Control: Our Stories, Our Lives, Our Birth Control

Contraception is a reproductive right that helps to ensure our bodily autonomy and freedom. However, too many face barriers to accessing it.

In these stories, people discuss their experiences with contraception. They also share the consequences of being unable to access it. The narrators address what happens when we can’t afford contraception, insurance won’t cover it, or a religious employer won’t pay for it. They also talk about the different reasons they sought contraception -- how they use contraception to affirm gender identity, to treat heavy and painful periods, and to prevent pregnancy.

> Even though I work for a very progressive employer and have a very good insurance plan, I still had a lot of difficulty accessing birth control. Things are bound to be way harder for people who have additional obstacles put in their way.

[Read their stories ](https://nwlc.org/in-control-our-stories-our-lives-our-birth-control/)

SOURCE: National Women's Law Center •

![An Asian woman looks concerned as a pharmacist hands her birth control pills](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAVCAIAAACor3u9AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAADD0lEQVQ4jWVVSZLcRhDDVuyR5I/64Jsfr5CHCR+q2JJlLkEGFyA3oPjnX3+DkGQrkePEiWzbkkhib9POdKb39J5OMeWAkCBToaPYjmzZlEgFKAq0aFEQ/zs2w3nV5yFQADjXc/bsQNH9WzA3QLAsWLIUJMCECYl7a8seqqKdlu0befO06KBqhwMAoIL7H5KEyKowaDREREuWKO3/p71JssD0TVN2s3ZQtuzc4IkDnODzBwjaVFS4CifEEmLam0AF2t7TzxlSuGfTzJRtOwAwKE+lWqEiGX5+J0lErkvDQZZwibEcSwZVYgafM5wNzRbTETdci8Fs8CnUiqNqE4ji8tRVsBa7hGUt27EUSgNOq6nuAe7inuIu2HkGpCXYadWqYkUMo/lOSK0r4w4nwhIva8VO5JAqeRe6h5yCU9ytp/eMgMGbg88AsEOSUX+odmmssBt9WTuDOEogFVRBtryn2FL41Gyd8DR5IxMlShAlE87msWAhUryPrNixElJDcgDOAPfAU91jHSUSe0CL9ogFBAkijiTZThQ7seMkie3EkQ1ZIIlyXHjqW1vmIsUjye4hKog9BwSRdb0orXVlXVnrMDhylC367PKUFSBZGkoU3zIUUWIetQOPvQBZr6+Usq5cL18vr8vr2q4kmQ5lULvOLMghT+x8Z/Dcn9I8T0hkfflGKmvl+sj14fVSFrOYwIGMR2iYd2V/AuxbkZW2pN8E+7OsL3+QdFbWy9eH1ovroi9oQYFcGmSLYkr2l/SfDCSpRcXizX7Kl/XxjaQcr0vXS+vFXEjgVB6KFMBBB5zjmRv+eK1EVcfr8EZ/CPLxdRMky+viupgLXpUrD02yZdFtEf/h+CVeiS3Kn1mBIpm8vpCUrERZGx1KlXlaWHTAu5hitocCPcOy4YlyQELYEyCTAhlfL4KUZTOLWXBqzxMCwG2lO/zHqftbBgREggb3AueTgXOBIC0/QymDLlVqt3TXZIDpY2zAU6efswRwo78JQIU2sDtlSjjmvFeWrdBjwX0q0+715CyZh6QE1ZO38LThX7pgyMdJV2QqAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)Rakchanok/Adobe Stock Rakchanok/Adobe Stock

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ contraception](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/contraception)
- [ contraception methods & access](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/birth-control-methods-access)
- [ nonbinary & trans-inclusive abortion & contraception](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/nonbinary-trans-inclusive-abortion-birth-control)
- [health justice](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/health-justice)
- [economic inequalities](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/economic-inequalities)
- [birth control pill](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/birth-control-pill)
- [bodily autonomy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/bodily-autonomy)
- [gender expression](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/gender-expression)
- [trans](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/trans)
- [poverty](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/poverty)
- [health disparities](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/health-disparities)
- [stories & conversations](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/stories-conversations)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Identifying What Contraception Works Best for You

AB explains what she would advise about choosing a method of birth control.

![My Story- Identifying What Contraception Works Best for You](data:image/png;base64,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)

AB explains what she would advise about choosing a method of birth control.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-identifying-what-contraception-works-best-for-you)

[ResourcesRead

## Birth Control Options for Transgender and Nonbinary People

This guide for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive people discusses how contraception relates to hormone therapies, different contraceptive methods and how to use them, and tips for communicating with medical providers.

![Emergency Contraception for Transgender Patients scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

This guide for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive people discusses how contraception relates to hormone therapies, different contraceptive methods and how to use them, and tips for communicating with medical providers.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/birth-control-options-for-transgender-and-nonbinary-people)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Controlling My Period with the Pill

AB describes how birth control made it easier to predict when her period would start.

![My Story- Controlling My Period with the Pill](data:image/png;base64,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)

AB describes how birth control made it easier to predict when her period would start.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-controlling-my-period-with-the-pill)

[Stories & ConversationsListen

## Finding the Right Contraception

MC describes her abortions and her trouble finding contraception that works for her.

![Abortion & Contraception](data:image/png;base64,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)

MC describes her abortions and her trouble finding contraception that works for her.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/finding-the-right-contraception)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## No Choice: Personal Abortion Stories

This award winning film shares frank personal stories of abortion before Roe v Wade was overturned.

![A screenshot of a Black woman and baby in front of a written note from the film](data:image/png;base64,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)

This award winning film shares frank personal stories of abortion before Roe v Wade was overturned.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/no-choice-personal-abortion-stories)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Doctors and My Heart Health

TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.

![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,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)

TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health1)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## Living with Congestive Heart Failure

TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

![Alexandru-Acea-unsplash](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAACRUlEQVRIiY1WSZIkIQyTCM7Tp/7/T9EcAFsGpmoyMrJpFknecPH3zw8AXm+7ZiD4o/2d77CxoBh3vB7+z6yem2LrWn4Q0AYpv+ILIKEvNMD0BO1sYH14C9meuowmQJoFBDA1fQM9odYZPW1hd8mT84PwB3T4+x8uKzG4s6i5BbTTgva8NgcJiQdHf6InB9HWKkMsAe24SXNSiaLgvSxwmkaeFphYHGY5KDMsSWBhJIHG4iVfivo6hFNQsCdHcRFvRzWAIF85CICaSaHlGBMef/ud02SMyaNMivyi1GJbONo7eyv6/jcEWOpuci0XzCsoa6a98IEiOqwqAU94ZmDMSs6ZhmuNAUdE6eXorDrKx7Y0OZqu4vt2fQGADtWELMEMkx2P2SMXFwTqHnBdP/dBH58WuJDyVUG5t90vouE8FzTvR57qhq0+casz1G8JA5pxHkCDRhSwlutrm5Q1S1UCAXgQaB0jgSFwpQZhqscD/USYJiTBOO+JxcEMcNE+zF1DGEV+dp+uPMnYzQWpti8czyInGEjoYehJMIUPABDjylMizrsMwqyjyqGx5C/0IR3Z1T1JhmWNRPGoXGXmEAOQiq/cSyuxha5dUMcjaHarfZuy5ILSJ+mlkrgrzGnBKOjZv/ZdoyMM1e/+y07hooyBgLY5wqZh/iH2UZ4cte52hHch9OimY98uqb200ogDVz5ciW/ez6dHgkCJqxc6U1ZWNbb84KsE6ip8GYCAjpSlbTCi93eTWtN3nnAUojNdndmPHAP/FfkX2vzAGfoFHPQAAAAASUVORK5CYII=)

TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-living-with-congestive-heart-failure)

[ResourcesRead

## Ten Things Every LGBT Older Adult Should Know about Heart Disease

This factsheet provides tips for maintaining heart health, with a particular focus on LGBT older adults.

![pexels-centre-for-ageing-better-11674389](data:image/png;base64,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)

This factsheet provides tips for maintaining heart health, with a particular focus on LGBT older adults.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/10-things-lgbt-heart-disease)