Abstract
This article explores the circumstances of premarital sexuality, unwanted pregnancies, and abortion among single women in Vietnam. Twenty in-depth interviews were conducted with single women who had an abortion in the Hanoi region in 1996. Participants were contacted through two health centres providing abortion services. Results show that women have sex in the context of committed relationships and view sexual relationships as part of courtship and dating. Only half of the women reported attempts to use a contraceptive method, though none of them wanted to become pregnant. Lack of knowledge and the belief that contraceptives are for married couples were among the reasons given for not seeking the means to prevent pregnancy. Eight of the women interviewed had had more than one abortion. Most of the women had abortions because they could not or chose not to marry. Single women who wish to avoid unwanted pregnancy need access to contraceptive counselling and services. Gender awareness debates among youth could help to encourage joint and equal responsibility for these matters.
Published Version
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