What is the Relationship Between Contraceptive Programs and Abortions in the United States?

Abstract

Introduction/Context: This literature review was conducted to determine/assess the relationship between contraceptive programs and abortion, especially those resulting from unplanned pregnancies, in the United States due to its high abortion rates regardless of the prevalence of modern contraception and contraceptive programs. Methods: A systematic review of the literature regarding trends in reproductive health services among adult women was conducted, with attention on contraception program and abortion rates, in order to determine whether or not there is a correlation between contraceptive educational programs and abortions resulting from unplanned pregnancies. Results: 10 articles pertinent to the research question were found. Of the 10, one of them reported the positive effects that programs that provided contraceptives had on its use and abortion. Whereas other articles mainly reported a negative correlation between the two variables and the demographic influence on contraceptive use and thus abortion rates, one article reported a positive correlation between the variables. Conclusions: Based on the systematic review conducted, overall, there is a negative correlation between the two variables such that a decline in the use of contraceptives and family planning services is associated with an increase in abortion rates. Keywords: abortion, contraception, contraceptives, emergency contraceptives, abortion trends, contraceptive trends, contraceptive programs, contraceptives and abortion relationships, contraceptive use, birth control and abortions, unplanned pregnancies, and contraceptive education.