Preface.

Contraceptive and other reproductive health needs and services are important concerns in the United States--for the individuals and couples involved as well as the country as a whole. Most women and men are sexually active from their teenage years on, yet they typically want only two children. Thus, contraceptive use during the majority of Americans' reproductive lives is crucial for prevention of unplanned pregnancy.

In fact, our high rates of unplanned pregnancy and abortion show that many women and men are less successful than they would like to be in having children only when they want them. About half of pregnancies that occur each year are unplanned, and about four in 10 women have an abortion at some time during their reproductive years. Each year, some 1.2 million women have births they wish had occurred at a later time or not at all, and 1.4 million have induced abortions.

Clearly, current contraceptive practice leaves room for improvement--in the information people have about contraceptive methods; in their ability and motivation to act on that information to protect themselves and their partners from unwanted outcomes; and in the availability and accessibility of contraceptive services and supplies. While most people obtain contraceptive care and supplies through a private physician, access can be problematic for those who cannot afford private physicians, as well as for those who ...