To curb unintended pregnancy, states turn to IUDs — in the delivery room

Until recently, doctors usually waited to discuss an IUD or implant until a woman’s first postnatal checkup, six weeks after delivery. But between 10 percent and 40 percent of women never show up for this exam. That is why the delivery room option is viewed by many as an opportunity.

But for this approach to have an impact, local governments, hospitals and doctors all need to make extra effort. That means training doctors, adapting hospital infrastructures and ensuring patients get proper counseling — so that they get the contraception treatment only if they want it, and can have a device removed if they change their mind.

And no one yet knows how to make that all happen, experts said.

“There is definitely going to be a need for training,” said IHPI member, Michelle Moniz, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Michigan, who has researched the subject.