Cost as a Determinant for Use of Highly Effective Reversible Contraception After Induced Abortion

Increasing the uptake of highly effective reversible contraception (HERC; intrauterine devices or subdermal progestin implants) is our best hope for reducing the 50% unintended pregnancy rate in the U.S. In a prospective observational study of factors determining use of contraception following induced abortion, investigators studied 518 women who received abortions at Texas Planned Parenthood clinics: low-income women (household income <200% of federal poverty level) eligible for free contraception (Group 1); low-income women ineligible for free contraception (Group 2); and higher-income women (Group 3).

At study entry, most women reported a desire to use HERC after abortion. Following abortion, HERC was used by 65%, 5%, and 24% of women in …