Induced abortion: a method for birth control?

Despite the recent improvements in services and an increase in available funds, the expected increase in usage of effective contraceptive methods and decrease in number of induced abortions has not been seen in Turkey. This study investigates the causes of this situation and argues whether induced abortion is being used as a birth control method. Eight-five subjects were involved in the study, all of whom came to a family planning clinic for an induced abortion. Forty-seven (55.29%) of the participants had had at least one induced abortion prior to this. Eight-four (98.8%) had knowledge of at least one contraceptive method, and 80 (94.1%) had knowledge of at least one effective contraceptive method. Eighty (94.1%) participants had used some form of contraception at some time in their lives; 52 (61.17%) had used an effective contraceptive method at some time in their lives. When they became pregnant, 60 (70.6%) were using ineffective methods or were not using any contraceptive method. Both the participant and the spouse wanted the abortion in 68 (80%) cases.