A crisis
revealed
That’s the share of all pregnancies that are unintended.
What does this say about our values, our priorities – our future?
Nothing is more fundamental to bodily autonomy than the ability to decide whether or not to become pregnant.
Yet for too many, the most life-altering reproductive choice is no choice at all.
of women report they are unable to say no to sex
(in countries with available data)
Only of women are able to make their own decisions over their sexual and reproductive health and rights
(in countries with available data)
It’s a stark reminder that gender discrimination seeps into every corner of our lives.
It is a wake-up call to ask what really lies behind unintended pregnancy?
We know unintended pregnancy is linked to:
We also know which real-world conditions reinforce these rates, including:
Women are more likely to experience an unintended pregnancy when they have fewer choices and less power.
Yes, my sister. Brazil, 46 years old
I am currently pregnant from an unintended pregnancy. USA, 39 years old
Yes. I was 18. Nigeria, 37 years old
Yes, my close friend. Tanzania, 53 years old
No. Lao PDR, 58 years old
I aborted my third pregnancy as it was unwanted for me. India, 62 years old
Yes, in my 20s and 30s all my pregnancies were unplanned. Ukraine, 39 years old
Yes. Jordan, 44 years old
Note: An informal questionnaire elicited about 60 responses from nearly 30 countries at the end of 2021. Responses here have been excerpted and edited for clarity.