Unintended pregnancies - Reducing rates by improving access to contraception

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Unintended pregnancies incur substantial social, health, and financial burdens.
• There is a notable lack of data regarding the prevalence of unintended pregnancy within Australia.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for developing targeted public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of unintended pregnancy among women aged 18-23 years in New South Wales.
• To assess access to contraception in both rural and urban settings for this demographic.
• To lay the groundwork for a potential national survey on fertility and contraception.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional survey design.
• Targeting women aged 18-23 years in New South Wales.
• Data collection on unintended pregnancy and contraceptive method usage.

Main Results:

• Prevalence data on unintended pregnancy is currently being collected.
• Information on contraceptive access is being gathered from rural and urban participants.
• This study represents a foundational step in understanding reproductive health needs.

Conclusions:

• This research will provide essential data on unintended pregnancy and contraception access in young Australian women.
• Findings will inform strategies to improve reproductive healthcare and contraceptive services.
• The study serves as a pilot for future, regular fertility surveys.