Published online by Cambridge University Press: 09 January 2002
After the onset of liberlization of the Mongolian economy in 1989, the laws governing abortion were relaxed. Furthermore, the availability and use of modern contraceptives also started to improve. The Demographic Survey of Mongolia, conducted during June–July 1996, collected information on different aspects of abortion. This paper presents the results on the prevalence of induced abortion and other related issues. It was found that in the absence of adequate knowledge and availability of modern contraceptives in Mongolia, the prevalence of induced abortion was relatively high. About 24% of women undergoing abortion were using it as a contraceptive because they thought it to be a safe method of contraception. Though the abortion rules stipulate counselling on the use of modern contraceptives just after an abortion, only 60% of women undergoing an abortion were given such counselling.