Objective: To investigate the proportion of unwanted pregnancies that emergency contraception pills could prevent. Methods: I surveyed 323 women who requested abortions during two four-month periods. Each was asked about the use of contraception and her knowledge of emergency contraception at the time of conception. Results: I analyzed 318 surveys. Of these, 215 women had used no contraception or were aware of a condom failure (and thus were candidates for emergency contraception). During the cycle when the pregnancy started, 149 women had not known about emergency contraception. The other 66 had varying levels of knowledge about emergency contraception, but only seven had actually used it. Conclusions: Emergency contraception pills could have prevented over half of the unwanted pregnancies.
Learning Objectives: 1. The participant will recognize the potential of emergency contraceptive pills to prevent unplanned pregnancies; 2. The participant will know the approximate percentage of abortions that could be prevented by emergency contraceptive pills
Keywords: Abortion, Contraception
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I earn some income from performing abortions.
If more women used emergency contraceptive pills, the number of unplanned pregnancies would decrease and my income would decrease.