Acceptance of effective contraceptive methods after induced abortion.

The purpose of this study was to examine possible motivating factors in switching from a relatively inadequate contraceptive method to an effective one. Three groups of women were observed: Group A had induced abortion and routine family planning education; Group B had induced abortion, routine family planning education, and special education on the health hazards of abortion; and Group C had no abortion, but did have both the routine and special education. The rate of women switching from inadequate contraceptive methods to the more effective methods was 45, 86, and 18 percent, respectively. Thus, these findings demonstrate that women who have had induced abortion are more highly motivated to switch from inadequate to effective contraceptive methods, particularly when they have been exposed to routine family planning education and additional education on the health hazards of abortion. It is recommended that emphasis be placed on providing special education for women who have had induced abortion.