About Sexual and Reproductive Health
In Vermont, you can still get free and low-cost sexual and reproductive health care services.
The Division of Family and Child Health at the Vermont Department of Health is here to support you. Learn more and connect to care that's right for you.
Understanding and making decisions about your sexual and reproductive health can be hard, especially now. On this page, you will find accurate, straightforward information about sexual and reproductive healthcare and how to access it in Vermont.
Sexual and reproductive health care includes birth control, STI and HIV testing and treatment, abortion services, pregnancy-related care, and many other services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sexual and reproductive health covers a broad range of services. Some examples of sexual and reproductive health services are:
- Birth control (contraception)
- Screening, testing, and treatment for HIV and other STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Cervical and breast cancer screenings
- Counseling about pregnancy options
- Abortion care
- Pregnancy care
If you’re looking for free or low-cost services, you can go to a Planned Parenthood health center. There are seven (7) health centers across the state and most of their services are also available through telehealth. All services are confidential. Some of the services you can get from Planned Parenthood include:
- Abortion care
- Birth control (contraception)
- Emergency contraception (also called “the morning-after pill”)
- Pregnancy testing and counseling
- Basic infertility services
- Screenings for breast and cervical cancers
- HPV vaccinations
- STI testing
- PrEP (HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis medication)
Use this locator to find a Planned Parenthood health center near you.
The Office of Population Affairs has a clinic locator for individuals looking for sexual and reproductive health services.
Abortion is legal and available in Vermont with no limits on how far along you are in your pregnancy. In Vermont, if you are under 18, there are no laws about getting permission from anyone else, including an adult.
Find abortion services in Vermont
Learn more about abortion services in Vermont:
Some organizations called “crisis pregnancy centers", or “women’s health centers” offer support for pregnant people, but they do not provide abortion care, abortion counseling, birth control, and emergency contraception.
Some methods for birth control require a prescription, but some do not. Some methods you can stop and start on your own (like condoms), some need a prescription to start (like birth control pills and rings), and some need an in-person visit with a health care provider to start and stop (like IUDS and implants).
Planned Parenthood health centers in Vermont provide birth control. Talk to a provider about the right method for you.
- OPill is an FDA-approved daily over-the-counter birth control pill. You don't need a prescription.
- Emergency contraception (EC), often called “the morning after pill,” is a way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected vaginal sex or if your birth control failed (i.e., the condom broke). Taking emergency contraception doesn’t end a pregnancy. There are two forms of emergency contraception - pills (Plan B and Ella) and an intrauterine device. Some pills are available over the counter, without a prescription.
- Vermont Access to Birth Control law says individuals can access a one year supply of prescription birth control. Ask your provider or pharmacist about this option.
Gender-affirming care is any care and/or services that support and affirm a person’s gender identity. It can include medical care, such as hormone treatment or surgery. Some providers that offer gender-affirming care in Vermont are:
- Planned Parenthood, all locations and through telehealth
- University of Vermont Children’s Hospital Transgender Youth Program
- University Of Vermont Center for Health and Wellbeing Gender-Affirming Care
The Vermont Diversity Health Project can help you find providers and practices committed to being a safe and affirming space for LGBTQIA+ Vermonters.
Birth control is also called contraception. Birth control prevents pregnancy, giving you control over whether you get pregnant. Birth control methods, except for condoms, don’t prevent STIs. Talk to your health care provider about options and what may be right for you. Below is more information and resources about birth control.
Birth Control Resources:
- Planned Parenthood - Birth Control filter
- Bedsider- Explore and compare birth control methods
- CDC - How to Use a Condom
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), HIV, PrEP, and Cancer Screenings
Sexual Transmitted Infections (STIs) are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Some common STDs/STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis, herpes, and HIV. They are spread by sexual contact with the genitals (e.g., penis or vagina), mouth, anus, or bodily fluids like blood, semen, or saliva. If you or your partner(s) have an STI, you can pass it to others through anal, oral, or vaginal sex, or other sexual activities where the genitals touch. If STIs are left untreated, they can cause serious health problems later on. Many STIs do not have symptoms, so it’s important to talk to your sexual partner(s) about STIs and to get tested. Learn about types of STDs/STIs, testing and treatment at your primary care provider’s office and at Planned Parenthood health centers.
Are you planning to become pregnant? There are things you can do before and/or between pregnancies to help you have a healthy pregnancy and baby. Learn about steps you can take to plan for pregnancy.
- Pregnancy tests are available at a pharmacy/drug or grocery store, can be done by your healthcare provider, or are available at a Planned Parenthood health center. Pregnancy tests are done by peeing on a stick and are very accurate if used in the correct way.
- Pregnancy Options Counseling: If you are pregnant, you can talk with someone about your options - this is called pregnancy options counseling. You can get pregnancy options counseling from your healthcare provider or at a Planned Parenthood health center. Learn more about pregnancy options counseling from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Reproductive control or coercion is when a person tries to get someone pregnant against their will or control the outcome of a pregnancy. This is done through threats, fear, and/or tampering with birth control methods. Reproductive coercion may lead to unintended pregnancy. Learn about healthy relationships and find support.
If you or someone you love is experiencing reproductive coercion, you can find resources and support from the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.
Providing Quality Family Planning Services in the United States: Recommendations of the U.S. Office of Population Affairs (Revised 2024)
Minor Consent and Confidentiality: A Compendium of State and Federal Law
U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 2024
Reproductive and Sexual Coercion, ACOG Statement
Reproductive Health National Training Center
Beyond the Pill - evidence-backed clinic and provider tools
Access Plan - The Access Plan is a health insurance program for Vermonters who need family planning and family planning-related services. Eligible Vermonters can sign up through Planned Parenthood.