Contraceptive behavior of Jerusalem women seeking pregnancy counseling, 1980-1989

Inconsistencies between intent and action in the area of birth control are often attributed, in both theory and medical practice, to female ignorance and lack of contraceptive skills. In the light of prevailing theories, this survey examines the contraceptive behavior of 1,425 Jerusalem clients of the Pregnancy Counseling and Follow-up Service.

The majority of clients were "in crisis" due to unplanned pregnancies and had turned to the counseling service for help in crisis resolution. The data are based on intake questionnaires and clinical records filled in by counselors. Recorded information included age, education, marital status, religious observance, previous pregnancies and abortions, contraceptives ever used and methods used prior to pregnancy, age of fetus, initial attitude, treatment process, and outcome.

The results suggest that the women in the sample became pregnant not because they lacked the skills to avoid it, but because they failed to use those skills effectively. Younger, unmarried, and less educated women and those with many children were especially prone to risk-taking. They also waited longer than others before turning to counseling.