Key Points

1. 1) Missouri has a primary care shortage that is expected to increase in the coming years.
2. 2) The unintended pregnancy rate in Missouri is significant, but better contraceptive access is shown to reduce these rates.
3. 3) Unintended and mistimed pregnancies are costly; the annual public cost of unintended pregnancy in Missouri is estimated to be $518 million.
4. 4) Allowing pharmacists to prescribe birth control is a proven solution to reduce unintended pregnancy and its effects.