Title: Placing emergency contraception in the hands of women [editorial]

POPLINE Document Number: 276977

Author(s):

Litt IF

Source citation:

JAMA. Journal of the American Medical Association, 2005 Jan 5;293(1):98-99.

Abstract:

For more than 50 years, since the successful synthesis of estrogens and progestins, safe and effective pregnancy prevention has been possible. Nonetheless, in the United States an estimated 3.5 million unwanted pregnancies occur annually, one third of which involve teenagers.' Among the many possible explanations for this paradox, barriers to health care figure prominently. For instance, lack of health insurance, an issue for more than 44 million Americans, creates a formidable barrier to access. Religious beliefs, concerns about contraceptive safety, and psychological barriers also contribute. Contraception may not be sought, especially by teens and other women for whom a physician visit and discussion of sexual behavior may prove embarrassing. (excerpt)

Keywords:

United States
Women
Physicians
Emergency Contraception
Pregnancy, Unwanted
Contraceptive Methods
Counseling
Developed Countries
North America
Americas
Demographic Factors
Population
Health Personnel
Delivery of Health Care
Health
Contraception
Family Planning
Reproductive Behavior
Fertility
Population Dynamics
Clinic Activities
Program Activities
Programs
Organization and Administration