Evidence-Based Contraceptive Guidance for Young Women Following Induced Abortion: A Systematic Summary

To summarize the best available evidence on post-abortion contraceptive counseling for young women (aged 15-24 years) and provide an evidence-based basis for clinical practice.

Following the "6S" model, we systematically searched international and Chinese guide websites, professional association websites, and databases in both Chinese and English, from inception to June 2025. The types of literature included clinical decisions, evidence summaries, guidelines, and expert consensus. Two researchers independently performed literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment. Guidelines were assessed by AGREE II, systematic reviews by AMSTAR 2.0, and RCTs and expert consensus by JBI critical appraisal tools. Evidence was graded using the JBI Evidence Grading System (2014) and synthesized by topic.

Fifteen articles were included the following: 3 clinical decision aids, 7 guidelines, 2 expert consensus statements, 2 systematic reviews, and 1 RCT. Thirty-three pieces of evidence were summarized across seven categories: provision of contraceptive services, timing of initiation, assessment and counseling, values clarification, complications and management, follow-up, and support.

This summary provides contraceptive guidance for young women after induced abortion. Healthcare providers should integrate local policies and personal preferences, follow patient-centered principles, and translate this evidence into practice to increase uptake of efficient contraceptive methods and reduce unintended pregnancies among young women.

Fudan University Center for Evidence-Based Nursing (Registration No. ES20257666).