Plan A: postabortion contraception

Abstract

More than 1 million abortions are performed annually in the United States. Women presenting for abortion care are often motivated by the pregnancy to use effective contraception; they are also at high risk for repeat unintended pregnancy. For these reasons, abortion represents an optimal time to initiate effective contraception. There is strong evidence that most methods of contraception, including intrauterine devices and the contraceptive implant, should be initiated at the time of the abortion procedure. Most women ovulate within the first month after an abortion. If provision of contraception is delayed, women are less likely to use effective contraception and more likely to have a repeat unintended pregnancy. Although some methods of permanent contraception can be safely performed at the time of abortion, federal and state laws often restrict these procedures being performed concurrently. Contraceptive counseling and provision at the time of abortion are important strategies to decrease rates of unintended pregnancy.