Abstract Unintended pregnancies are pregnancies that were unwanted at the time of conception. Unwanted pregnancies are the primary cause of induced abortion. Unwanted pregnancy is linked to numerous maternal and child health problems. Most of the deaths occurred in less developed parts of the world, where family planning and reproductive health services were less available. In recent years, unwanted pregnancy has emerged as an important public health concern in both developed as well as developing countries because it is not only distressing for the affected women and children, but can also have far-reaching health, social and economic consequences.