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

Troutman, Michele; Rafique, Saima; Plowden, Torie Comeaux

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.