Abstract:
Unintended pregnancies remain an important reproductive health concern in
Pakistan, particularly given high fertility rates and low contraceptive use. This study
examines how past fertility intentions and contraceptive use influence subsequent
pregnancy experiences. Data from 1,874 women in union aged 15–49 from the Longitudinal
Panel Study: Performance Monitoring for Action (PMA) Framework (2020–2022) were
analyzed. Fertility intentions were measured by women’s desire to delay or limit
pregnancies, and contraceptive use was recorded as use of any method. Results indicate that
women who previously expressed a desire to delay pregnancy still experienced subsequent
pregnancies, and those using contraception were less likely to report unintended
pregnancies. Specifically, 47% of women in round 2 and 81% in round 3 who wished to delay
pregnancies reported a subsequent pregnancy, while 40% and 43% of contraceptive users in
the baseline and midterm periods, respectively, experienced fewer unintended pregnancies.
These findings highlight the need to strengthen women-focused family planning programs,
improve access to effective contraceptive methods, and provide counseling tailored to
women’s reproductive goals.
