STD and induced abortion
Meskel, Y.W.
Africa Health 20(6): 2
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0141-9536 PMID: 12321813 Document Number: 279176
In Gambella, southwestern Ethiopia, sexual intercourse following the birth of a baby is not allowed until the child is 2-3 years old. Whilst most mothers wait for the specified time, their husbands find it difficult and seek sex elsewhere. This cultural law therefore increases the risk of STD transmission. The "rule" is obviously hard for some young couples to keep. They have sexual intercourse without contraception, resulting in pregnancy. The wife, not wishing to be seen to have broken the law, seeks an abortion. Cultural modification requires a long period of time but health education about STDs and contraception is, meanwhile, indispensable.