The impact of contraceptive failure on unintended births and induced abortions

Using data from 20 recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), we estimate 1) the impact of contraceptive failure on unintended births and induced abortions, and 2) levels of unintended births and induced abortions that could be achieved if current family planning users adopted more effective contraceptive methods. We use multiple-decrement life tables to calculate contraceptive failure rates and simulate alterations of the contraceptive method mix in each country. Results show the contribution of contraceptive failure to unintended births and induced abortions to be substantial. On average, 31% of births from unintended pregnancies and 53% of induced abortions resulted from contraceptive failure. Simulations show that if all women who currently use contraceptives began using the most effective (long-acting or permanent) method to meet their fertility intentions, the level of unintended births would decrease by an average of 27%, and the level of induced abortion could be cut in half.