Unfulfilled postpartum sterilization intent before and after introduction of immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception

Abstract

Objectives: Publicly insured women face many barriers to obtaining a desired postpartum sterilization prior to hospital discharge, including postpartum complications, staff availability, patient concerns or lack of required advance consent forms. LARC methods are an alternative to postpartum sterilization. We aimed to assess whether the proportion of women discharged with highly effective postpartum contraception (tubal ligation, IUD or implant) increased when postpartum LARC methods were offered prior to discharge.