Are higher unintended pregnancy rates among minorities a result of disparate access to contraception?

Abstract

Unintended pregnancy is a major global issue. Women who experience an unintended pregnancy have a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. Additionally, these women also experience substantial financial hardships. Many women, particularly women of color, do not have adequate access to reliable and affordable contraception resulting in major health disparities among this group. This review explores the relationship between unintended pregnancy and inadequate access to contraception and is divided into 5 sections: addressing problems associated with unintended pregnancies, unintended pregnancy rate in the US, disparities of unintended pregnancy rates and access to care, addressing potential solutions, and finally conclusions. Keyterms unintended pregnancy, healthcare disparities, contraception, access to care.

Addressing Structural Inequities, a Necessary Step Toward Ensuring Equitable Access to Telehealth for Medication Abortion Care During and Post COVID-19

“…Research indicates that health disparities based on social status and race/ethnicity exist and persist in the US. In the abortion space, Black, Latinx, and low-income individuals have higher rates of abortion ( 3 ) due to higher rates of unintended pregnancy, a consequence of reduced access to and effective use of contraceptives ( 4 ). Simultaneously, these populations experience reduced access to abortion services ( 5 ).…”

Kentucky's abortion landscape, 2010 to 2019: an analysis of pre-Dobbs abortion disparities in a rural, restrictive state

“… 29 , 30 Unintended pregnancies among Black and minoritized patients are likewise associated with higher maternal morbidity and mortality, financial hardship, and diminished access to reliable and affordable contraception and sexual and reproductive health care. 31 Given the intersection between racism and poverty in the US, this finding may be a reflection of Kentucky's relatively high poverty rate as well as the extent to which lack of financial resources is a primary reason for having an abortion. 32 , 33 …”

The impact of coronavirus on reproduction: contraceptive access, pregnancy rates, pregnancy delay, and the role of vaccination

“…Women without high school degrees had the highest unintended pregnancy rates among those of any education level (21). In 2011, the unintended pregnancy rates for African-Americans, Hispanics, and White women in the United States were 33%, 31%, and 17%, respectively (22).Minority women and those with lower socioeconomic status are both disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and are at increased risk of unintended pregnancy. Before the pandemic, there was incremental progress toward decreasing unintended pregnancies with the first decline since 1997 occurring between 2014 and 2018 (Fig.…”