The Challenge

Youth in Canada face ongoing challenges to access timely, effective and affordable contraception. Unintended pregnancy can be life-altering, particularly for youth. Youth may experience limits to education and job training, resources for food and shelter, and a poorer start for their children. In spite of universal coverage of contraceptives in some regions, universal access remains a dream. Youth who wish to avoid pregnancy do not always have the ability to use consistent or effective contraception.

the opportunity

The Ask Us Project is a two-part study taking place over four years (2021-2025). Phase 1 is an interview study with youth and service providers. The interviews are conducted by youth peer researchers. Through these interviews we are:

  • Investigating the experiences, beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, and contraceptive access needs of youth in Canada (aged 15 to 25) from the perspectives of youth and service providers, and

  • Identifying the attributes of contraceptive options that matter most when making decisions about methods to use, from the perspectives of youth and service providers.

After we complete the interviews, we will begin phase 2, a design project to create and test “youth stories.” These stories will communicate the results of our research to youth, health care professionals, and decision makers in Canadian contraception policy and practice.

This project is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

The potential impact

By doing this research and understanding contraception access for youth in Canada, we may witness a range of benefits:

  • Accelerated use of evidence through the sharing of “youth stories”

  • Evidence-based contraceptive policy and practice change to improve youth access

  • Improved equity and access to contraception care for youth

  • Reductions in unintended pregnancy and need for abortion among youth

  • Empowering youth with the skills and capacity to co-lead impactful health research

What we are learning

As of summer 2024, we have completed 79 interviews with youth and 27 interviews with care providers.

Learn more about our progress in this Research Snapshot (click to open):