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Chapter 36: The Challenge of Unintended Pregnancies

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DOI:

10.1891/9780826190048.0036

Authors

  • Simmonds, Katherine
  • Stern, Lisa

Abstract

Demography and public health define unintended pregnancy as “a pregnancy that is mistimed, unplanned, or unwanted at the time of conception”. Broad social determinants of health, including poverty and racial inequality underlie disparities in unintended pregnancy rates. This chapter reviews the possible post-abortion complications and general information about management of complications. Social and reproductive justice can provide a framework for providers of clinical care to understand and promote the health of women and families in general, and within which to contextualize unintended pregnancy. Clinicians who provide care to women of reproductive age need to be prepared to provide pregnancy testing, options counseling, and direct services for continuing or terminating a pregnancy, or referrals to providers who are qualified to deliver these services. In addition, routine follow-up care of women who have had abortions and managing or referring those with complications is within the scope of practice of primary care clinicians.