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Access to reproductive care is being limited across the country, and the rate of undesired pregnancies is rising.
Discussing contraception preferences in the Emergency Department can support patients as well as and reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with an undesired pregnancy. Simply asking patients of childbearing age: "Are you interested in discussing pregnancy prevention?" can bridge a gap in access to reliable care. Easy and accessible tools can be used on shift to assist with appropriate initiation.
On Shift Tools:
Contraception Initiation • Clinical Resources • FemInEM
www.bedsider.org -Patient friendly comparisons of contraception options
Quick Start Contraception Care in the ED - Bridge to Treatment - ED oriented flow diagram
References
Cline L, Downey K, Rashid Y, et al. When Prevention is an Emergency: The Imperative of Contraception Initiation in the Emergency Department. J Emerg Med 2026; 85:177-182.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2026.02.038.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0736467926000697)