Attitudes to contraception among Asian women in Britain

To understand the attitudes of a woman from the Indian subcontinent towards contraception, it is necessary to be aware of her religious and cultural background. A strict sexual morality is practised by Muslim, Hindu and Sikh women, for whom pre-marital and extra-marital sexual relationships are forbidden. Girls are brought up to be shy and modest, and submitting to a vaginal examination is regarded with abhorrence except as a matter of life and death. Large families, and particularly sons, are regarded as blessings from the Almighty. The condom and IUD are considered the least offensive methods, although among more enlightened women the pill is gaining ground.