Unintended and mistimed pregnancies are often a result of either not using or misusing contraception and can also be the result of a sexual assault. Unexpected pregnancies often carry higher risk for both mom and baby because the mother may not be in optimal childbearing health and/or be exposed to toxins that can negatively impact the development of the fetus.
Key Facts
- In 2016, approximately 75% of pregnancies in New Jersey were reported as planned and 25% unintended.
- Among mothers in NJ who reported using Medicaid to access prenatal care, the rate of unintended pregnancies increased to 40.4%, while mothers who reported using private insurance had an unintended pregnancy rate of 16.6%.
- The rate of unintended pregnancy among WIC participants in NJ, at 38.5%, was similar to that of women who used Medicaid.