Contraception and its ethical considerations

A variety of contraceptive methods have been developed, both medical and surgical, which match the changing requirement of women as they progress through their reproductive years. It is well recognised that women are using contraceptives for longer than their predecessors; delaying their first child until later in life. The ideal contraceptive method should incorporate a woman's individual preferences, regarding: compliance and side effects and comply with personal, religious and economic circumstances. If individuals are presented with a variety of contraceptive methods, evidence suggests that it improves long term compliance. From the introduction of the contraceptive pill in 1950 by Pincus and Chang, there have been many ethical considerations raised regarding contraception use. This review looks at common contraceptive options and the present day ethical dilemmas faced when prescribing and counselling patients.