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.