Main findings
We report, for the first time, the prevalence of contraceptive use, unintended pregnancy, and induced abortion during 24 months postpartum in eastern, central, and western regions of China and in China overall. The prevalence of postpartum contraceptive use is high but dominated by condoms and traditional methods. The variety of methods for first choice showed a similar pattern betweens regions. Approximately 1 in 7 women experienced unintended pregnancy, and 1 in 10 underwent induced abortion during 24 months postpartum. The high risks of unintended pregnancy and induced abortion during the extended postpartum period can be mainly attributed to overreliance on the less-effective contraceptive methods and high level of unmet need for postpartum contraception across the country.