Abstract
Effective contraception can prevent unintended pregnancies, however there is an unmet
need for effective contraception in Australia. Despite their being a range of contraceptive
methods available, access to these remains equitable and uptake of the most effective
methods is low. There is an opportunity to reduce the rate of unintended pregnancies
in Australia by improving the uptake of effective contraception for those who desire
this. Improving access will require increasing consumer health literacy about contraception,
as well as the option of telehealth as a mode of service delivery, and stronger investment
in contraceptive services through appropriate reimbursement for providers. There is
also a need to test new models of care to increase access to and use of effective
contraception in Australia, including nurse and midwifery-led models of contraceptive
care and pharmacy involvement in contraceptive counseling.
Keywords
contraception - sexual and reproductive health - access - health workforce - Australia
