REASONS DUE TO WHICH, WOMEN RESORT TO ILLEGALLY INDUCED ABORTIONS

Abstract

Objective: To identify the reasons due to which women resort to illegally induced abortions.

Material and Methods: This Descriptive study was carried out in Department of Gynaencology and

Obstetrics, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar from May 2000 to April 2001. This study included 50

married women in reproductive age group, who had undergone illegal induced abortion, either visiting the

hospital OPD or admitted in the gynae ward. Relevant information was recorded on a predesigned

questionnaire prepared in accordance to the objectives of the study. An attempt was made to find out the

reasons due to which women resorted to illegally abortion and to asses their attitudes towards

contraception.

Results: Forty Six (92%) terminations were carried out in the first trimester. In 17 (34%) cases there was

a history of previous induced abortions. The most commonly used method was dilatation and currettage

(76%). A variety of complications were encountered e.g. vaginal bleeding (28%), incomplete abortion

(18%), sepsis (20%), and visceral injuries (6%). Most of the women were aware of the family planning

methods. Contraception prevalence was higher among the better educated women. Non users were afraid

of side effects. Predominant reasons for abortion were financial constraints (64%), child spacing (20%),

contraceptive failure (12%) and extra marital affairs (4%).

Conclusion: Socioeconomic, cultural and psychological pressure constituted the background as to why

women felt forced to terminate their pregnancy. Prevention of unwanted pregnancies must always be given

the highest priority and attempts should be made to eliminate the need for abortion.