Unintended pregnancy is a worldwide problem that affects women, their families andrnsocieties at large. Recently it appeared as an importanl public health concerns for bothrndeveloped and developing countries because it is not only distressing for the affectedrnwomen and children, but also has a far reaching health, social and economicrnconsequences. To prevent uninlended pregnancy and its associated problems it isrnimportant to understand the determinant factors.rnThe objective of the study was to examine the level and the underling determinants ofrnunintended pregnancy among selected married women in Damote Gale woreda. A crosssectionalrnstudy was conducted in this woreda and the study was carried out in eightrnkebeles (smallest administrative units).rnA multistage sampling technique was used to select females in the reproductive agerngroup15-49 years for interview. Quantitative as well as qualitative data were obtainedrnusing structured questionnaires, focus group discussion and key informants interview.rnDemographic, socio-cultural, and service related characteristics J'l'ere used asrnexplanatory variables while the dependent variable is unintended pregnancy.rnA total of 713 females aged 15-49 years were inlerviewed out of whom, 302(42 .4 %)rnwomen reported that their most recent pregnancies were unintended. Most of the womenrn(89%) knew at least one modern FP methods.84% of the women have never discussedrnwith husbands about issues concerning FP. It is also indicated that 80% of women havernnever been visited by health workers.Only33% of women made decision on their healthrncare by themselves. Major reasons mentioned for failure to avoid unintended pregnancyrnwere lack of knowledge, disapproval by husband, difficulty to get method and methodrnfailure. Predicted probability has shown that women in delayed age at marriage, withrnlower parity, women exposed to radio, women who discus about FP issues with husband;rnthose who have autonomy on their health care and those visited by FP workers had lessrnexposed to unintended pregnancy.rnUnintended pregnancy was found to be a major reproductive health problem in the studyrnarea. Results suggested that FP strategies need to focus in early twenties and olderrnwomen, and address the role of men. Besides, women 's decision making power should berngiven a special attention. Furthermore, in addition to expanding access to familyrnplanning an effective lEe and counseling and quality of care is needed in the study area.