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ABSTRACT During the last decade, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education and access to modern contraceptives have increased for young people, especially in cities. Nonetheless, young women in Vietnam still face unwanted pregnancies and turn to abortion, which is legal and available. This paper identifies factors behind unwanted pregnancy as reported by young clients seeking abortion at public reproductive health care facilities where youth-friendly services, including counseling, are provided. Analysis was conducted of transcripts of in-depth interviews with 86 clients aged 18–24 years who visited health facilities in three cities for abortion in the period from October 2006 to January 2007. Findings show that while many abortion clients reported exposure to information, education, and communication about contraceptives and SRH from various sources, they lacked full understanding of safe sex and contraceptives. Many clients reported that they never used contraceptives or had experienced failure while using contraceptives. They also reported a lack of couple communication and lack of cooperation by male partners. The majority of abortion clients were provided counseling on contraceptives. Young clients had various responses about how to prevent future unwanted pregnancies. Some sought and received contraceptive methods (e.g., oral contraceptives, condoms, emergency contraception) during the visit, some said they could not decide without their partners’ agreement, and others had no clear plan about future contraception. Options for feasible improvements in counseling about prevention of unwanted pregnancy in youth-friendly services are discussed. How might health providers best assist young clients to assess the pros and cons of each method; choose the method that best fits their real life situation; understand the links between sexual behavior and reproductive health; negotiate safe sex; and encourage male partners to accompany clients to health facilities? Track 2—Enabling and Realizing Young People’s Potential in Improving Sexual and Reproductive Health
Theme 2.2—Sexual and Reproductive Rights Issues: Specific Concern
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