Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: An Overview

The ability to control fertility is essential to women’s health. Despite increasing access to contraception, the U.S. has persistently high rates of both unintended pregnancies and short-interval pregnancies, or pregnancies conceived within 18 months after a previous birth.

One strategy to increase the rate of intentional pregnancy is the use of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). LARC offers long-lasting pregnancy prevention via two methods, intrauterine devices and contraceptive implants.

This explainer covers how LARC works, evidence regarding its effectiveness, health plan coverage and reimbursement, and other policy issues.

Related resources are available on our Maternal and Infant Health page.