The contraceptive practice of abortion patients
Sparrow, M.J.
New Zealand Medical Journal 91(653): 104-106
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-8446 PMID: 6929960 Document Number: 154800
A survey was conducted among 100 women who attended a New Zealand family planning clinic with an unplanned and unwanted pregnancy and who proceeded to termination of the pregnancy. The survey assessed prior contraceptive usage. 1/2 of the women had been using no contraception during the month in which they became pregnant. Problems with the pill, risk-taking behavior, and fears regarding possible infertility were the reasons most commonly cited for nonpractice of contraception. Of the 50% who were using 1 or another method, the pregnancy was due mainly to use of less reliable methods or to human error. Social and psychological factors were shown to be important behavior determinants. The medical practitioner has an important role to play in influencing contraceptive behavior.