A new study has found that found “a shift in contraception use from more reliable hormonal methods of contraception to less reliable fertility awareness-based methods of contraception among abortion patients in England and Wales in 2018 and 2023.”
The researchers compared self-reported contraceptive use at conception among patients presenting for abortion at the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, BPAS, from 2018 and 2023. The from the BMJ Sexual and Reproductive Health journal is available online here.
Dr Patricia Lohr, Director of Research and Innovation at the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, BPAS, said:
“This study of abortion patients showed a rise in the use of fertility awareness-based methods and a decline in hormonal contraception. This may indicate women are making different contraceptive choices or can’t get the methods they want. A separate BPAS survey of the general population found that nearly half of women (49%) face barriers to accessing contraception, such as long waits for appointments, which restrict their ability to choose the methods that work best for them.
“In this context, abortion remains a vital option, whether as a back-up when contraception fails or as an alternative when contraception is unavailable or unsuitable. Ensuring access to abortion care is crucial to supporting women in making the choices that are right for them.
“At the same time, it’s vital to push for modern, innovative contraceptive methods that fit seamlessly into women’s lives and address concerns about side effects. Women deserve a full range of options that meet their needs without compromise.”
ENDS
For further information, please contact Katherine O’Brien, Head of Campaigns and Communications. on katherine.obrien@bpas.org or 07881265276.
About BPAS
The British Pregnancy Advisory Service, BPAS, is a charity that sees over 100,000 women a year for reproductive healthcare services including pregnancy counselling, abortion care, miscarriage management and contraception at clinics across Great Britain.
BPAS exists to further women’s reproductive choices. We believe all women should have the right to make their own decisions in and around pregnancy, from the contraception they use to avoid pregnancy right the way through to how they decide to feed their newborn baby, with access to evidence-based information to underpin their choices and high-quality services and support to exercise them.
BPAS also runs the Centre for Reproductive Research and Communication, CRRC. Through rigorous multidisciplinary research and impactful communication, the CRRC aims to inform policy, practice, and public discourse. You can find out more here.