Unplanned Pregnancy: A Public Health Issue

For some women, an unplanned pregnancy can bring joy, but for others, it means an uncertain future. A 2016 survey of 1,990 women of reproductive age (aged 18-44) found that many women believe that unintended pregnancies (UIPs) can impact their lives, including their education, job, income, physical, and mental health.

In 2011, approximately 45% of all pregnancies in the US were unintended, and UIPs disproportionately impact women aged 18-24, women of color, and women from low economic backgrounds. For some women, limited access to information, tools, resources, and contraception can make it hard for them to be in control of their reproductive health.

There are a number of contraceptive options to consider, and when considering her options, a woman may talk to her health care provider about what she is looking for with her contraception, including effectiveness, safety profile, availability, and cost, among other things.

I got to personally interview Dr. Montes on her tips/advice for avoiding an unplanned pregnancy. We also discuss the importance of prioritizing reproductive health and how women can find resources and learn more about family planning and contraceptive options, as well as tips for how women can bring up the conversation with their health care provider to find the best option for them.

Watch my interview with Dr. Montes in the video below:

Learn more HERE: www.whatsnextforher.com

 

*ABOUT DR. MONTES

Dr. Erica Montes is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist and a fellow of the American College of OB/GYN. She received her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. She completed her residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center-Parkland Hospital where she was elected one of three chief residents at the largest program in the nation. Born and raised in Texas, she graduated with honors, from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in biology.

*This is a sponsored post. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

18 thoughts on “Unplanned Pregnancy: A Public Health Issue”

  1. I had an unplanned pregnancy at 18. I was very scared and nervous and it did change my life. I was a lucky one though because I wouldn’t change it for the world. My kids are everything to me but it was hard. More parents need to talk to their kids and help them find the resources for what they need. Too many don’t want to because they feel they are “giving their kids permission” to have sex. That was my parents. It’s not permission so much as information for what’s more than likely going to happen anyway.

    1. Hi Janice, Thank you so much for sharing your story! I grew up in the same type of household and I was lucky that I actually had to go on Birth Control for major debilitating cramps I would get as a teenager. My parents fought it because they thought it would “give me permission to have sex out of marriage” so I got on BC at age 18 as soon as I was on my own, and thankfully before I lost my virginity otherwise I probably would have been in the same boat.

  2. Great article for those who are scared and don’t know how to handle something as life changing as this. Great advice that will help lots of young women.

  3. Sometimes, even ‘planned’ seems a surprise lol Information is vital for people. Understanding the risks, and the rewards.

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