Attitude toward and use of induced abortion among Taiwanese women.

Abstract

751 Taiwanese married women between the ages of 19-45 years were interviewed to ascertain differential use of abortion as a birth control method. The study population was stratified according to educational level. Openended questions were asked and the number of missing observations for the variables ranged from 189-613. Although abortion is illegal in Taiwan, the procedure is easily accessible and can be inexpensive depending on the type of practitioner used. Abortions are a primary source of income for urban gynecologists and midwives at birth stations often act as intermediaries and sources of referral to physicians. Of the 742 valid questionnaires obtained, 557 women reported using abortion as a birth control method, 223 of these respondents indicated the actual number of procedures undergone. Variation in the use of abortion as a birth control method was not significantly related to educational attainment, occupational group, respondent's employment status, household income level, or religious affiliation. Women of higher educational status and teachers did tend to have fewer abortions. The practice of effective contraception may be more common among these women who may have a better understanding of body functioning and conception than other groups. The ability to plan multiple aspects of their lives and enlist their husbands' cooperation in birth control practice may also be a function of higher educational status. Women who married at a younger age did have significantly more abortions than women who delayed marriage. This relationship was expected as younger women would have a greater exposure to the chance of pregnancy. Given the frequency of abortion and its apparent acceptance as a birth control method, its illegal status is curious.