Abortion in Vietnam: measurements, puzzles, and concerns
Goodkind, D.
Studies in Family Planning 25(6 Pt 1): 342-352
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0039-3665 PMID: 7716799 DOI: 10.2307/2137878Document Number: 299643
The official total abortion rate in Vietnam in 1992 was at least 2.5/woman, unusually high by international standards, especially for a country with a total fertility rate of 3.7 children/woman. This report summarizes current knowledge regarding abortion in Vietnam, drawing upon government registration statistics, a variety of survey data, and the author's observations and fieldwork in Vietnam during 1993 and part of 1994. Abortion appears to be concentrated among married women at the peak of childbearing age. The prevalence of repeat abortions reported in some provinces and survey responses suggest that some women are using abortion as a means of fertility control. At least three explanations can be advanced for Vietnam's high rate of abortion. First, like other poor socialist countries, Vietnam viewed the IUD and abortion as methods allowing maximum state control and monitoring of family planning. Although the number of contraceptive methods have improved marginally, Vietnam still lacks the resources to provide alternative choices. Second, the country's population policies, although not directly calling for abortion, raise the marginal costs of childbearing in some areas to such an extent that pregnancy termination becomes more acceptable. Third, the current trend toward modernization and development in the wake of free-market reforms of the mid-1980s contributes to premarital and unwanted pregnancy as it has in other countries. Relevant policy prescriptions would provide effective contraceptive alternatives that are acceptable, safe, and affordable, a goal that Vietnamese specialists hope to achieve. Unless these efforts continue, future declines in Vietnamese family size preferences may result in even higher rates of abortion.