[Induced abortions in relation to the use of contraceptive agents]

The aim of the study was to investigate the use of contraceptive methods among women referred to an induced abortion. The design was a prospective study of women seeking abortion, 854 were included consecutively. All were asked about the contraceptive methods used preceding their actual pregnancy. Was the contraceptive method used in a regular way, and what was the motive for her voluntary abortion? Of the 854 women, 831 chose to participate and answered the questions (97.3%). We found that 35% had used their contraceptive method in a regular way but became pregnant nevertheless. Another group of 33% had forgotten to use their contraceptives for a few days and became pregnant by accident. In the last group of 32% the women had not used any contraceptive methods. It is concluded that more information is necessary to get women and men to use contraceptive methods regularly with better precision and more seriousness.