Family planning and the burden of unintended pregnancies

Abstract

Contraception has contributed to improving maternal and child health outcomes and reducing maternal mortality and vulnerability to sexually transmitted diseases. Evidence also suggests that its benefits extend to family finances, education, and women’s empowerment. However, research on the relationship between contraceptive use and health outcomes is still inconclusive and usually based on observational data. Studies on the effect of unintended pregnancies have yielded unclear results. The benefits of contraception at a population level are undeniable, though. Contraceptive use has prevented an estimated 200 million unintended births annually, leading to fewer unplanned births and abortions, with positive consequences for maternal and infant health. Moreover, contraception can reduce the rate of vertical HIV transmission from infected mothers to their children. However, even though modern contraceptive use has risen, unmet demand remains high in many countries, with consequences for the health of mothers and children. Further research on the relationship between contraception and health outcomes, as well as more investment in addressing unmet contraceptive demand, is needed to capture the full potential of contraception in improving global health. – AI-generated abstract.