Abstract
Introduction
Despite the many contraceptive options available in the United States, nearly half
(49%) of the 6.4 million pregnancies each year are unintended; these represent a significant
cost to the health care system.
Methods
The total number of unintended pregnancies and their outcomes were obtained from the
literature. Direct medical costs were estimated for each unintended pregnancy outcome.
Results
The direct medical costs of unintended pregnancies were US$5 billion in 2002. Direct
medical cost savings due to contraceptive use were US$19 billion.
Discussion
Unintended pregnancies are a costly problem in the United States. Contraceptive use
can reduce direct and indirect costs; hence, payers may realize cost savings by providing
coverage of contraceptive products.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 20, 2007
Accepted:
November 21,
2006
Received:
October 17,
2006
Footnotes
���This research was partially supported by grants from Berlex, Inc., and Organon, Inc. The content of this article was not influenced by these companies, nor does it reflect in any way the companies' views or positions.
Identification
Copyright
© 2007 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
