Induced abortion in rural villages of Cavite, the Philippines: knowledge, attitudes and practice.

: A survey of all married women aged 15-49 was conducted in 1976 in 5 rural villages in predominantly Roman Catholic Philippines. Of 676 respondents, 17% admitted that they had had at least 1 induced abortion. Hilots, physicians, and drugstores were the major providers of abortion, and the methods used ranged from oral tablets to herbs, injection, D and C, and massage. About 12% of respondants were hospitalized with complications from abortion, signifying a serious public health problem. An upward trend of abortion over time was speculated. There was an age differential in reported abortion experience. A large minority was aware of how an abortion could be performed and believed that abortions were easily obtained in their communities. Half the respondents approved of abortion, and 57% stated incorrectly that abortion is legal.