The survey, commissioned by Plan B One-Step and conducted by Impact Research and Echelon Insights, highlights a system struggling to reach the country's most isolated populations. Data shows that 45% of voters believe the U.S. healthcare system fails to meet the needs of rural patients, the lowest rating across all categories evaluated. While only 9% of suburban women cite access to care as a top personal concern, that figure jumps to 17% for women living in rural communities.

Tara Evans, representing Plan B, emphasizes that this gap makes over-the-counter access to emergency contraception a vital necessity rather than a choice. With rural hospital closures and provider shortages on the rise, the ability to obtain care without a referral or a long drive is becoming a primary health equity issue. The findings underscore a broad public consensus: 76% of voters support keeping emergency contraception available over the counter, mirroring the accessibility of standard medications. As the healthcare landscape shifts, these communities remain the most vulnerable to policy changes that restrict access to basic reproductive tools.