Abortion as a backup method for contraceptive failure in China

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Demography
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• High rates of contraceptive failure are reported for modern methods in China.
• Limited understanding exists regarding the outcomes of contraceptive failure and women's decisions regarding abortion.
• The Chinese family planning program significantly influences reproductive choices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the resolution of contraceptive failures in China.
• To assess the impact of sociodemographic characteristics on the decision to terminate a pregnancy following contraceptive failure.
• To understand abortion as a consequence of contraceptive failure within the context of China's family planning program.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 6225 cases of contraceptive failure from the 1988 Chinese Two-per-Thousand Fertility Survey.
• Examination of abortion rates based on contraceptive method (IUD, condom, pill).
• Assessment of sociodemographic factors influencing the decision to abort.

Main Results:

• Abortion rates following contraceptive failure were 50.1% for IUDs, 75.3% for condoms, and 80.2% for pills.
• Abortion rates varied significantly by contraceptive method and women's social and demographic characteristics.
• Women with only one child exhibited the highest likelihood of choosing abortion after contraceptive failure.

Conclusions:

• Abortion serves as a critical backup method for contraceptive failures in China.
• The decision to abort is influenced by women's characteristics, particularly parity.
• Findings underscore the pervasive impact of China's family planning program on reproductive behaviors.