Changes in induced abortion and its impact on fertility

Analysis of data from the 1985 Korean Fertility and Family Health Survey encompassing 8012 women 15-49 years of age indicates recent increases in the induced abortion rate and a need to improve family planning services. The total induced abortion rate increased from 0.7 in 1963 to 2.1 in 1984. The proportion of all pregnancies terminated rose from 22.5% in 1970-74 to 36.7% in 1975-79 and to 38.9% in the post-1980 period. Although the proportion of Korean women who ever used contraception before induced abortion rose from 23% in 1975 to 42% in 1984 72% of the latter use involved inefficient methods such as rhythm. The proportion of women who used contraception after induced abortion increased from 53% in 1975 to 82% in 1984; but again most of these women used inefficient methods and 43% had an additional induced abortion. 4 measures are recommended to address this situation: 1) contraceptive services should be targeted at those most at risk of induced abortion--women in their 20s; 2) sterilization should be de-emphasized in the national family planning program with greater emphasis on effective birth spacing methods; 3) more attention should be given to strengthening contraceptive continuation rates; and 4) the IEC component of the national family planning program should attempt to convince women to switch to modern efficient methods of contraception. In 1985 induced abortion accounted for 32% of the reduction in fertility while contraception contributed 51% of the births averted.