Unintended Pregnancies in Türkiye: An in-Depth Analysis of Economic Burden

OBJECTIVES: Unintended pregnancies (UPs) continue to be a worldwide issue, with significant impacts on society, the economy, and health. This research explores the specific context of Türkiye and seeks to estimate the overall economic impact of UPs within the country.

METHODS: An extensive evaluation of multiple data sources was performed, incorporating scholarly databases like PubMed and Google Scholar, as well as insights from specialists. The study involves a detailed examination of costs related to different pregnancy outcomes, including normal vaginal births, cesarean deliveries, and related complications such as ectopic pregnancies, fetal loss, terminations, medical evacuations, and abortions. Moreover, the economic impact of each category are analyzed, offering a detailed perspective on the economic ramifications.

RESULTS: The economic burden of UPs in Türkiye for the year 2023 is estimated at TRY8,056,804,799. UPs resulting in live births, both through normal vaginal delivery and cesarean section, account for the highest economic burden, totaling TRY7,210,718,423. Ectopic pregnancies cost TRY27,271,239, while fetal loss amounted to TRY765,397,463. Termination and medical evacuation incurred TRY53,417,674 and TRY41,652,185, respectively, while abortion costs TRY11,765,489. These findings underscore the significant economic impact of UPs in Türkiye, emphasizing the importance of targeted policies to mitigate these costs and enhance reproductive health outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights a significant economic strain on both prospective parents and healthcare infrastructures, underscoring the importance of financial readiness and accessible medical services. Efforts to reduce pregnancy-related complications and promote effective contraception, particularly oral contraceptives, can lead to cost savings and better health outcomes. UPs not only impose a significant financial burden but also a profound psychological burden. This mental burden has implications for both individual well-being and broader societal costs, affecting overall human capital and necessitating public expenditures to mitigate these challenges.