PREVENTING UNINTENDED PREGNANCY - THE COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF 3 METHODSOF EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION

Objectives. This study examined the cost-effectiveness of emergency co ntraceptive pills, minipills, and the copper-T intrauterine device (IU D) as emergency contraception. Methods. Cost savings were modeled for both (1) a single contraceptive treatment following unprotected interc ourse and (2) emergency contraceptive pills provided in advance. Resul ts. In a managed care (public payer) setting, a single treatment of em ergency contraception after unprotected intercourse saves $142 ($54) w ith emergency contraceptive pills and $119 ($29) with minipills. The c opper-T IUD is not cost-effective as an emergency contraceptive alone, but savings quickly accrue as use continues. Advance provision of eme rgency contraceptive pills to women using barrier contraceptives, sper micides, withdrawal, or periodic abstinence saves from $263 to $498 ($ 99 to $205) annually. Conclusions. Emergency contraception is cost-eff ective whether provided when the emergency arises or in advance to be used as needed, Greater use of emergency contraception could reduce th e considerable medical and social costs of unintended pregnancies.