Medical termination of pregnancy: public opinion in an urban population

The influence of religion, education and socioeconomic status on opinion regarding medical termination of pregnancy were examined. A random sample of 514 married, urban women was selected. The study revealed that religion, education and economic status influenced the formation of opinion regarding pregnancy termination. The women gave many reasons for considering it beneficial. The most common reasons were that pregnancy termination offered increased opportunities for better education and nutrition. The limitation of family size and elimination of unwanted pregnancies were also noted as needs of the community.