Economic Burden of Unintended Pregnancies in Japan

Abstract

［OBJECTIVES］

Unintended pregnancy（UP）, which causes adverse consequences on health and well-being for women and children, has been acknowledged as a social issue in Japan. This study estimates the number of UPs, its direct cost, and the potential cost savings that could be realized with increased uptake of modern contraceptives.

［METHODS］

An adaptation of the cost model used in previous studies in other countries was conducted to quantify the annual number and direct cost of UP. To explore the impact of increasing uptake of modern contraceptives, a part of women who did not use those methods were allocated to OC and IUS in the model, and the annual costs were projected and compared with the estimation of current costs.

［RESULTS］

The annual number of UPs in Japan was estimated to be more than 610,000. The UP-related direct costs exceeded 252 billion JPY per year. The annual costs related to contraception were approximately 37.3 billion JPY. When a part of women currently not using modern contraceptives used OC and IUS, cost savings would be achieved, because the direct costs would decrease significantly, though the contraceptive costs would increase.

［CONCLUSIONS］

This study highlights the significant economic burden due to UP in Japan. Increased uptake of modern contraceptives may generate cost savings by reducing the number of UP. This provides an economic rationale for the need for financial support for modern contraceptives in Japan.