Postpartum contraception in Australia: opportunities for increasing access in the primary care setting

Abstract

In Australia, 20% of pregnancies occur within the first year after birth and most are unintended. Both unintended pregnancies and short interpregnancy intervals (<12–18 months) can have adverse effects on maternal, infant, and child health. Access to postpartum contraception reduces the risk of unintended pregnancies and short interpregnancy intervals, and supports women in pregnancy planning and birth spacing. In this forum article, we describe how postpartum contraception is currently provided in Australia and highlight opportunities for improving access in the primary care setting.