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Identifying the factors underlying the U.S. unintended pregnancy rate of almost 50% is essential. In a study designed to evaluate the effect of insurance status on contraceptive use, investigators compared data from two cycles of the National Survey of Family Growth (1995 and 2002; age range of participants, 15–44). During the time between those years, several new contraceptive methods became available; in addition, private insurance coverage of contraceptive agents increased markedly.
From 1995 to 2002, total prescription contraceptive use increased by 3%, but overall nonuse of contraception rose by 4.5%. The increase in prescription contraceptive use was greatest among privately insured women, who were responsible for essentially all the g…