Unintended Pregnancies in Colorado
The unintended pregnancy rate in Colorado is 39.8 percent. Unintended pregnancies occur mostly among young, low-income, uneducated, or single women. Children from unintended pregnancies face increased rates of mental retardation and cerebral palsy, decreased social competence and school performance, and a higher risk of child abuse. Women who have unintended pregnancies are more likely to use alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, and less likely to seek and receive prenatal care.
Existing research indicates more than 46,000 unintended pregnancies occur annually just in Colorado. While some contributors to unintended pregnancy rates have been explored, barriers to and attitudes about contraceptive use have been understudied, particularly in adult populations.
Socially, the cost of Colorado’s unintended pregnancies can be measured in terms of reduced educational attainment and employment opportunities and increased levels of welfare dependence and child neglect and abuse.
Medically, it has been demonstrated that women who experience unintended pregnancies also are less likely to seek and receive prenatal care; subsequently, the risk of maternal and infant mortality increases.
Moreover, increased health care costs related to unintended pregnancies, particularly among low-income women and those without access to comprehensive health insurance coverage, often are covered by state and local governments.