Voluntary sterilization: an analysis based on service statistics of the national program
Tey Nai Peng; Tan Boon Ann; Arshat, H.
Malaysian Journal of Reproductive Health a Publication of the Reproductive Research Centre of the National Population and Family Development Board Malaysia 3(2): 160-166
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0127-3213 PMID: 12314741 Document Number: 447085
An analysis of the characteristics of voluntary sterilization acceptors, based on service statistics of the National Population and Family Development Program of Malaysia, is given. The acceptance of female sterilization is closely linked with the life cycle of women. In 1983, no more than 1% of the acceptors who were below 25 years, or had less than 3 children, were sterilized, in contrast to over 30% of those 35 years of age and above, or having 6 or more children. Acceptance of female sterilization varies inversely with educational level, with the percentage of acceptors being 2-3 times higher among those with little or no education. Women decide on sterilzation presumably due to motivation to cease childbearing upon completion of family. The median age at time of sterilization was highest among the Malays (35.7), followed by the Chinese (33.6), and the Indians (30.7). Younger women and those with large family size are more prompt than are older women and those with small family size, in seeking sterilization after birth. 6.2% of the sterilization acceptors had experienced at least 1 induced abortion, as compared to 3.8% for all acceptors.