Background: The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted reproductive healthcare provision in the US. About 33% of women reported delay or cancellation of reproductive health care visits or had trouble getting contraception (Lindberg et al., 2020). This study examines the association between emergency contraception utilization and social vulnerability in Texas using the CDC social vulnerability index by zip code.

Methods: Own Every Piece collaborated with a local pharmacy to distribute Just In Case Kits with emergency contraception pills at no cost to women living in the Greater Houston area. Individuals requested emergency contraception online between March 2021 and July 2022. We conducted a social vulnerability analysis by zip code within Houston, TX and surrounding areas.

Results: Over 2200 Just In Case Kits were mailed out. The highest demands coincided with policy changes. Approximately 33.6% of requests also wanted follow-up from the pharmacy. The social vulnerability index analysis indicated a significant correlation between socioeconomic status and emergency contraption requests. There was also a significant association between minority status & language, and emergency contraception requests.

Conclusion: Women living in Houston, TX have unique socioeconomic needs that put them at risk for unplanned pregnancy. Our findings suggest that the immediate effects of the Texas Senate Bill 8 and the Supreme court ruling to overturn Roe vs. Wade likely influenced more women in Texas to seek emergency contraception. Sustainable programs should be implemented within communities to ensure that they are adequately prepared to provide contraception to vulnerable populations in future pandemics or natural disasters.