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 five rural villages in the predominantly Roman Catholic Philippines. Of 676 respondents, 17 percent admitted that they had had at least one induced abortion. Hilots, physicians, and drugstores were the major providers of abortion, and the methods used ranged from oral tablet to herb, injection, D&C, and massage. About 12 percent of respondents 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 percent stated incorrectly that abortion is legal.