Abortion and contraceptives : an exploratory study

Abstract

The goal of the study was to explore factors that lead to increasing abortion rates in the country (South Africa), where contraceptives are readily available at all state clinics and hospitals. The study was based on a research question that seeks to determine the factors that lead to increasing abortion rates amongst young women even though contraceptives are readily available in the country (South Africa). In answering the research question, the study employed a variety of methods. Firstly, a qualitative approach was followed in order to gain an understanding of the beliefs and meanings that women attributed to the phenomena under study. Secondly, it employed applied research with the aim of using results to make recommendations for improving services with regard to women’s health. Further, the study employed the phenomenology method as the research strategy. Semi-structured interviews were utilized as the data collection technique. The researcher used an interview schedule and administered semi-structured questions on an individual basis to respondents. The data was then analyzed by means of Creswell’s five stage model of data analysis. The outcomes of the study, amongst others, have indicated that young women have at their disposal contraceptives which are readily available at state clinics and hospitals. It also revealed that, despite the availability of contraceptive services, young women continue to engage in unprotected sexual intercourse which results in unplanned pregnancies. It was also evident that young women are often reluctant to use contraceptives, or that they use them incorrectly. The study further revealed that young women are aware of abortion services and that they do access them when necessary. The factors that lead to increasing abortion rates in the country were also established. The study conclusively indicated that there was a need to improve service delivery with regard to abortion and contraceptives and that social workers can play a vital role in the provision of contraceptive and abortion services at state clinics and hospitals. Copyright