NPR Examines Barriers To Contraception, Factors That Contribute To Unintended Pregnancies

Main Category: Pregnancy / Obstetrics
Also Included In: Sexual Health / STDs
Article Date: 22 Apr 2009 - 7:00 PDT

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NPR's "Morning Edition" on Monday examined various methods of contraception and barriers that can limit their effectiveness. According to the Guttmacher Institute, more than 50% of pregnancies in the U.S. are unintentional. Vanessa Cullins, medical director for the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said that although society often portrays unintended pregnancies as the fault of the woman, it "should be a responsibility that society shares." Contraception must be used correctly and consistently to avoid unintended pregnancies and, although there are many methods available, several factors -- including culture, lack of information or barriers to access to care -- can hinder use, according to "Morning Edition." These barriers can be especially challenging for younger women, who might be more likely to face long waits at physician offices, providers who might not be up-to-date on the most modern methods of contraception and insurers who do not always cover birth control or only cover a one-month supply, "Morning Edition" reports.

Additionally, some women might find certain contraception methods difficult to use consistently, according to "Morning Edition." For example, daily low-dose birth control pills often have to be taken at the same time each day, and missing one or two doses could result in an unintended pregnancy. Cullins said that different methods are better suited for different periods of a woman's life. Women in college might find it easier to use birth control pills, but once they leave college they "may find it's difficult to take [a] pill every single day," she said. Women starting a career might prefer a contraceptive injection or an intrauterine device. Cullins also said that all sexually active women should "have emergency contraception on hand, because you don't know when an accident is going to occur." She added that because the responsibility of contraception typically is left to the woman, "correct and consistent condom use requires that women be true to themselves and honest about the fact that they are having sex -- if they want to avoid becoming pregnant" (Wilson, "Morning Edition," NPR, 4/20).

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