The purpose of this study was to identify barriers to the use of oral contraceptives by ethnic Chinese women presenting for abortion. Using a qualitative descriptive study design, 40 ethnic Chinese women presenting for abortion were recruited. Data were collected in semi-structured interviews by one interviewer who is fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese. Transcribed interviews were systematically analyzed to identify salient themes. The attitudes toward oral contraceptives were mostly negative. The most common fears were about weight gain, permanent infertility, and being considered "bad" (promiscuous). These mostly negative attitudes toward oral contraceptives appear to be barriers to their use.