Family Planning and Birth Control | Vermont Department of Health

Family Planning and Birth Control | Vermont Department of Health
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Translations for you
Family Planning and Birth Control
Family Planning & Pregnancy
During Pregnancy
Family Planning and Birth Control
Maternal Health Innovation
Support Delivered: Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Info & Resources
Substance Use in Pregnancy
Substance Use in Pregnancy - Information for Providers
Strong Families Vermont Home Visiting
Resources for Educators & Providers
Family planning allows people to choose if and when they want to have children. Family planning impacts the health and well-being of an individual, as well as their pregnancy. We work to make sure all Vermonters have access to quality family planning services, including support achieving a healthy pregnancy, pre-pregnancy health care, birth control and screening and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS.
The Health Department manages the
Title X Family Planning Services Program
. This supports Title X services in 7
Planned Parenthood clinics
across the state in order to provide high quality family planning and related preventive health services, education and counseling to Vermonters who would otherwise not have access.
If you are an educator or provider looking for resources, please see the
Resources for Educators and Providers
page.
Birth Control
Birth control — also known as contraception — prevents pregnancy and allows people to plan the timing of their pregnancy. There are many birth control methods available. It is best to talk with your health care provider about what options you have. Knowing what type of methods are available, how they work, how well each method works and understanding possible side effects can help you choose the birth control option right for you.
If you are sexually active birth control helps prevent a pregnancy, but not all types prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Condoms are the only birth control that reduces your risk of both pregnancy and
STDs
, including
HIV
Reproductive Coercion
Reproductive coercion
is when a person tries to get their partner pregnant against their will or control the outcome of a pregnancy. This is done through threats, fear or tampering with birth control methods. Reproductive coercion may lead to unintended pregnancy. Talking about the
health of your relationship
with your health care provider can help.
If you or someone you love is experiencing reproductive coercion, visit the
Vermont Network
for support and resources.
Preventing Teen and Unintended Pregnancy
We support the efforts of a network of community based organizations working together to promote
adolescent sexual health
through the Personal Responsibility and Education Program (PREP). PREP empowers teens to make choices to support their life goals by providing education on abstinence and contraception to reduce the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to high-risk youth.
Plan for Pregnancy
Preconception health
focuses on things you can do before and between pregnancies to increase the chances of having a healthy pregnancy and baby.
Whether this is your first pregnancy or you've been pregnant before, there are steps you can take to help ensure that you have the healthiest pregnancy possible.
Seek medical care early in your pregnancy
See your doctor to talk about things like medical conditions, medications, lifestyle and behaviors, vaccinations, stress and mental health.
Here is a
checklist
of things you can discuss with your doctor to help you prepare.
Resources
Information on Birth Control
Resource
Description
Planned Parenthood
— Birth Control
Learn about types of birth control, includes filters to find a birth control option that is the best fit for you.
Condoms
Information on using internal and external condoms correctly to prevent pregnancy and reduce your risk of STDs, including HIV.
For Teens
Resource
Description
Power to Decide
Information on sex, love, and relationships for teens to make informed decisions.
Amaze for Teens
Medically accurate, age-appropriate, and honest sex education for teens.
Info for Teens
Information on sex, relationships, your body, and more.
For Parents and Caregivers
Resource
Description
Talking to Kids about Sex and Sexuality
Tips for talking to your child about sex and sexuality.
Amaze for Parents
Free resource to help you talk to your kids about everything from babies to bodies to gender to consent to relationships.
Adolescent Sexual Health Resources
Information and resource from the Vermont Department of Health on adolescent sexual health.
Planning for Pregnancy
Resource
Description
Pregnancy
Get answers to all of your pregnancy questions and learn what you can do before, during, and after pregnancy to give your baby a heathy start to life.
March of Dimes~ Before or Between Pregnancy
Information on planning ahead to achieve healthy pregnancies.
Find Local Resources
Topics:
Adolescent Health
Contraception
Maternal Health
Pregnancy
Reproductive Health
August 22, 2025