Do Family Planning Field Workers Approve of Induced Abortion?

Abstract

The Taiwan Government has begun to consider relaxing legal restrictions on induced abortion. The four hundred field workers who provide contraceptive services and referrals as part of the Governmental health services at the township level were surveyed about induced abortion. These workers are considered to be most likely to be involved in future governmental programs related to abortion. Major findings were that the workers, although favorable in general to induced abortion as expected are often unfavorable under certain circumstances, differ somewhat from the public they serve, and do not espouse views in consonance with existing laws. Furthermore, cumulative ethical judgment scales are shown to exist which could have important program implications. Recommendations for educational activity are made.

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