Environmental disasters, like extreme weather events, can limit access to abortions and contraception, making reproductive autonomy more difficult. During disasters like hurricanes, an increase of sexual risk-taking behaviors, and a lack of healthcare can lead to an increase in sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies.
Hurricane Katrina caused disruption in family planning services for people in New Orleans even five to six months after the storm. At that time 40% of people enrolled in a study reported they weren’t using birth control, with several people reporting that they experienced unintended pregnancy because they couldn’t access care. After Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, only one 1 of 6 free abortion clinics remained open, which resulted in limited access to pregnancy tests and abortions.
To address and bridge the critical intersection of reproductive justice, gender equity, and climate resilience, the Center created the Sexual Health Emergency Preparedness (SHEP) Kit campaign. The primary goal of SHEP is to fill the sexual and reproductive health needs gap while educating people on how to integrate reproductive health into their own emergency preparedness plans.
SHEP was first piloted in Florida in 2024, a state known for environmental disasters. In the first year, hundreds of kits were distributed, including 250 around Hurricanes Milton and Helene. While each kit can be personalized, typical SHEP kit items include emergency contraception, internal and external condoms, pregnancy tests and lube.
The how-to guide was created for those interested in bringing the campaign to their communities.
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Contact: Kelley Dennings
