Evaluating the impact of free contraception on children's well-being

The Effects of Unintended Pregnancy on Children

Not applicable Interventional University of Michigan · NCT04371900

This study is testing whether giving free contraception to mothers can improve the well-being of their children as they grow up.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment4700 (estimated)
Ages0 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Michigan Academic / other
Locations9 sites (Ann Arbor, Michigan and 8 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04371900 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project builds on the Michigan Contraceptive Access Research and Evaluation Study (M-CARES) to assess how providing free contraception to mothers affects the well-being of their children. The study uses a randomized control trial design, enrolling women aged 18-35 who are at risk of pregnancy and seeking care at Planned Parenthood clinics in Michigan. Participants receive a voucher for no-cost contraception, while a control group does not receive this benefit. Data will be collected through surveys and administrative records to evaluate children's development and well-being up to age 18.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women aged 18-35 who are at risk of pregnancy, seeking care at Planned Parenthood clinics in Michigan, and facing out-of-pocket costs for contraceptives.

Not a fit: Patients who are not seeking contraception or who are already pregnant at the time of enrollment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved health outcomes for children by reducing unintended pregnancies through better access to contraception for mothers.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in improving reproductive health outcomes through access to free contraception, indicating that this approach is promising.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

The proposed project will analyze the outcomes of children ages 0 to 17 years old whose mothers enrolled in the Michigan Contraceptive Access, Research and Evaluation Study (M-CARES). M-CARES participation requires that mothers are:

* 18-35 years old
* physically capable (biologically female and fecund) and at risk of having a pregnancy,
* not pregnant at the time of enrollment
* not wishing to become pregnant in the 12 months after enrollment,
* are seeking care at Planned Parenthood of Michigan, and
* face out-of-pocket costs for contraceptives at Planned Parenthood of Michigan.

Where this trial is running

Ann Arbor, Michigan and 8 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pregnancycontraceptionfinancial access to reproductive health careunintended pregnancy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.