SOCIAL CLASS, RELIGION AND CONTRACEPTIVE FAILURE IN A SAMPLE OF PREGNANT WOMEN IN BRISBANE

The reproductive intent of women at the time of conception has been largely ignored in the social science and epidemiological literature. This is surprising in view of its likely relevance to a wide range of health and welfare issues. Despite the possible short and long term consequences of unplanned reproductive activity, it appears that we know a good deal more about the factors influencing decisions to acquire many consumer goods than we do about the factors influencing the decision to reproduce. The easy availability of contraception and a high level of literacy may contribute to an assumption that women have considerable control over their fertility. The received wisdom relating to reproductive intent suggests that most women are pregnant because they planned their pregnancy. In this study a large sample (4000) of pregnant women were asked about the beginning of their pregnancies. Women were specifically asked about the method of contraception they last used and whether their pregnancy was a consequence of a failure of contraception. Social, economic and religious variables were examined to assess the extent to which these were associated with differing rates of contraceptive failure.