Are Young, Pregnant Women in the U.S. Savvy About IUDs?

The prevalence of intrauterine device (IUD) use among women of reproductive age in western Europe is 14%, but the prevalence in the U.S is only about 2%. In an NIH-supported survey, investigators asked women (age range, 14–25) who presented for prenatal care or abortion at U.S. hospital-based clinics to complete anonymous self-administered questionnaires about reproductive and contraceptive issues.

Almost half of the 190 respondents (mean age, 20) had already delivered a child, and more than 90% indicated that their current pregnancy was unintended. Most respondents wanted to postpone their next pregnancy for at least 4 years. They ranked efficacy and safety as the most important attributes in choosing a birth control method. Past experience…