Pregnant teenagers' knowledge and use of emergency contraception

Emergency contraception is an effective way to prevent pregnancy from occurring after unprotected sexual intercourse. The authors report a descriptive study of pregnant teens in Devon, England, which examined the awareness and use of emergency contraception, and its potential for preventing unwanted teenage pregnancy. Findings are based upon interviews conducted with 167 pregnant women aged 13-19 years between August 1992 and January 1994. 57% were attending for a National Health Service termination 8-12 weeks pregnant, while 43% were attending booking appointments at hospital antenatal clinics 16-17 weeks pregnant. 12% of pregnancies were planned, 73% were unplanned, and in 25 pregnancies the teen was equivocal at the time of conception about preventing pregnancy. 81% of teenagers had heard of emergency contraception, although 88% did not obtain it. Of the 16 teens who did obtain postcoital contraception, the approach failed in 11 cases, one woman took the pills incorrectly, and four failed to take the pills.