Contraceptive use in women with mental illness in Soweto, South Africa.

Background: The psychosocial and medical implications of unplanned pregnancy in women with mental illness (MI) are vast. International guidelines make clear recommendations about family planning for women with MI, particularly those exposed to known human teratogens; however, there is limited research related to contraceptive usage among women with MI.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of consistent contraceptive use and family planning education (FPE) among a population of women of childbearing age with MI.