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Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley Stepping Down as Power to Decide’s CEO

Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley, who has led Power to Decide as CEO since 2021, will be stepping down on October 10, 2025 to join the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation. Under her leadership, Power to Decide has grown stronger and bolder — leading the development of a multi-year Action Plan to scale our impact, deepening our focus on equity and access to information, and taking a supportive position on abortion to ensure our work reflects the realities and needs of the people we serve. To support a smooth transition, the Board has appointed Marilyn Ayres, CFO, and Rachel Fey, VP of Policy & Strategic Partnerships, as Co-Interim CEOs.

Read more about Dr. Raegan’s impact and what’s ahead for Power to Decide here ([link removed]) .

Youth Contraceptive Knowledge Crisis

Power to Decide staff published a new publication ([link removed]) in the Journal of Adolescent Health using data from our inaugural Youth Reproductive Health Access (YouR HeAlth) Survey. The research brief presents estimates of young people's contraceptive knowledge, revealing alarmingly low levels of knowledge and significant disparities by age, race, sexuality, and geography. These results highlight the urgent need for accessible, accurate contraceptive information for young people.

Media Highlights

As we head into fall, we’re seeing news headlines highlight both the challenges and opportunities people face as they navigate a chaotic and confusing reproductive health landscape. From misinformation on social media to the importance of thoughtful design, Power to Decide programs like Bedsider and AbortionFinder were featured in several media outlets to help break through this noise and get people the care and information they need.

A recent sampling of press coverage that includes our voices and resources:
* 'Who Am I Without Birth Control?' ([link removed]) — The New York Times
* Some Teens and Young Women Don’t Know Much About Birth Control, Study Finds ([link removed]) — Medscape
* Innovation by Design 2025: The Best User Experience Design ([link removed]) — Fast Company
* Clinicians’ Perspectives on Switching Contraceptives and Discussing Low-Dose Estrogen Methods ([link removed]) — Contemporary OB/GYN
* Digital Deception: Beware the Rise of Fake Telehealth Abortion Clinics ([link removed]) — Ms. Magazine

Power to Decide will continue to help inform the national conversation about reproductive well-being by responding to breaking news, equipping individuals with tools they can trust, and supporting providers with the latest evidence-based resources.
Federal Updates

Government Shutdown as Congress at Impasse Over FY 2026 Appropriations

On September 30th, Congress failed to pass any temporary measure to fund the federal government, which resulted in a government shutdown. This means that the programs that support reproductive well-being such as the Title X Family Planning Program, and Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP) Program are not currently funded.

As negotiations continue, it’s imperative that policymakers demonstrate support for these programs. Contact your policymakers ([link removed]) and continue to advocate for Title X and the TPP Program in all government funding negotiations.

State Updates

South Carolina Senate Holds Hearing on Total Abortion Ban

On October 1, the South Carolina Senate Medical Affairs Committee held a public hearing ([link removed]) on SB 323 ([link removed]) . The so-called “Unborn child protection Act” is a total abortion ban without exceptions that was introduced in February. The bill would also make it illegal–felony homicide–to provide assistance to someone who is seeking an abortion. By narrowing the definition of contraception to drugs that prevent fertilization, the bill would lay the groundwork for restricting contraception, if passed. WSPA Spartanburg ([link removed]) has an overview of the testimony provided throughout the day.

Texas Enacts Another Bill to Criminalize Abortion Medication

On September 17, Governor Abott signed HB 7 ([link removed]) , which empowers any private citizen to sue anyone who manufactures, distributes, mails, transports, delivers, prescribes or provides abortion medication in any manner to or from any person or location within the state. to someone in Texas. The bill will go into effect on December 4, 2025.
On Wednesday, November 12th, Power to Decide will kick off our annual #ThxBirthControl campaign—a month-long celebration of the power of birth control to help people decide if, when, and under what circumstances to get pregnant and have a child.

Birth control makes so much possible. It helps people manage health conditions, take charge of their reproductive well-being, and opens doors to education, career advancement, and financial stability. Yet for far too many, access to contraception remains out of reach. From gaps in insurance coverage, to clinic closures, to policies that restrict funding for care, contraception remains inaccessible for millions.

Your support fuels digital resources and campaigns like #ThxBirthControl, ensuring people nationwide have the tools and trusted information they need to make informed decisions. Make a gift today and be the reason someone else can say, “Thanks, Birth Control.”

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