Abstract
Unwanted pregnancy continues to be a major problem in Bangladesh, despite a steady increase in contraceptive use over the last two decades. Abortion is illegal in Bangladesh but menstrual regulation (MR) is routinely provided through health services. The 1999–2000 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) data indicate that approximately 5% of currently married women had ever received MR services. Service statistics suggest a rising trend in MR and induced abortion, which is expected to decline as contraceptive use rate increases. It is observed that knowledge of MR had not significantly increased over time and women did not differentiate between MR and abortion. Findings from case studies suggest that in most cases husbands have supported decisions regarding both contraception and pregnancy termination. Understanding the experiences of MR users will help service providers to identify problems faced by a particular group of women who desperately need quality reproductive health services.
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