Does the Use of Unreliable Contraceptive Methods Increase the Number of Abortions? Results from a National Survey of Women in the United States

In this study the authors assessed the association between the types contraceptive use (unreliable or traditional methods vs. modern methods) and number of abortions among a nationally representative sample of abortion patients in the United States from the Abortion Patients Survey 2008. Unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios were calculated to determine the association between unreliable contraceptive methods and number of abortions. Results from the unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios revealed that women who used modern methods of contraception were more likely to have had previous abortions compared to women who did not use contraceptives and those who used traditional methods of contraception. Implications for practice, policy, and the role of social workers are discussed.