Dear makers of Twirla, Xulane, and Zafemy,  
   
The Anti-Racism Task Force of the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania requests that you change the color of your contraceptive patches. In our field of caring for patients throughout their lifespan, we often prescribe contraception. Additionally, the population we care for in West Philadelphia is predominantly Black. To see your product in only one color and one that represents a light skin tone with no other options is disheartening and disappointing.    
 
All our patients, no matter their skin color, deserve to be represented and have the medical field give them equal attention, consideration, and investment. Having only one option for lighter skin tones, regardless of motive, intention, or lack thereof, is racist and a huge disservice to a large portion of the population. One does not need to look far to be reminded of the many instances of reproductive injustice inflicted upon those with darker skin tones. For example, the forced sterilization of females of color by federally funded programs primarily in the 1960-70s was one of many heinous crimes in recent history whose victims are still alive today. It is vital that we all work with an anti-racist spirit in the wake of these events to provide equitable care to victims of systemic racism. Given the current climate and state of access to abortion care, effective contraception remains an important health issue with public health repercussions. For one method of birth control to not represent people of color, a group that has historically been and continues to be marginalized and exploited in reproductive health, is unsatisfactory. It is imperative that we critically examine any barriers to contraception and take swift action.    
  
We ask you to address this clear obstacle to contraception given the implications of having a product that favors one skin tone. It seems most appropriate for there to be a design that does not resemble any skin tone, such as a transparent patch, or at the very least an array of options to better suit the many variations in skin tone seen throughout the world. This is a fundamental and long-overdue change that is needed. Additionally, as prescribers and staff of the healthcare system, we strongly prefer to prescribe medication brands made with our patients in mind and not someone else.   
  
We look forward to hearing your response.   
   
Sincerely,   
   
The Anti-Racism Task Force of the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health  
The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania   

The following groups have agreed to sign in support of the above letter.

Reproductive Health Access Project, Pennsylvania Chapter