Contraceptive Use Among Women at Risk for Unintended Pregnancy in the Context of Public Health Emergencies - United States, 2016

Ensuring access to contraception is an effective strategy for preventing unintended pregnancy and associated negative maternal-infant outcomes. Data from 21 jurisdictions collected during a 4-month period indicated the number of women with ongoing or potential need for contraceptive services per 1,000 women aged 18-49 years. ranged from 368 to 617. The proportion at risk for unintended pregnancy using a most or moderately effective contraceptive method ranged from 57.4% to 76.8%. The proportion using no contraception ranged from 16.5% to 63.0%. The recent Zika virus outbreak highlighted the need for contraception data in the context of public health responses associated with adverse maternal-infant outcomes. These data can inform delivery of contraceptive services and evaluation of implementation strategies to increase access to contraception.