TY - JOUR T1 - Peri-abortion contraception: a qualitative study of users' experiences JF - Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care JO - J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care SP - 55 LP - 56 DO - 10.1783/147118904322702018 VL - 30 IS - 1 AU - Usha Kumar AU - Paula Baraitser AU - Sheila Morton AU - Helen Massil Y1 - 2004/01/01 UR - http://jfprhc.bmj.com/content/30/1/55.abstract N2 - Background Contraceptive counselling is an essential element of induced abortion services but concerns remain about its effectiveness. Objective The issues that influence peri-abortion contraception were explored as part of a study on the experiences of women undergoing induced abortion. Method In-depth interviews with 21 women of varying ages, gestations and ethnicity, 3-9 weeks after termination of their pregnancy, with qualitative analysis of data. Results Contraceptive risk-taking was high both before and after abortion. After abortion, only a few women had changed either to using some method, or moving to more reliable methods. Health professionals had not explored the issues around contraception with sufficient clarity or detail to be effective. Discussion of contraception was often deferred to the post-abortion follow-up visit, which only 12 respondents had attended at the time of interview. Conclusions The effectiveness of peri-abortion contraception counselling was disappointing. We suggest that a family planning-trained outreach nurse attached to abortion providers with specific responsibility for contraception could improve uptake post-abortion. ER -