Unterschiedliche Konzepte im Umgang mit der Fruchtbarkeit: Eine Vergleichsstudie in Berlin und Krakau

Abstract

Objective: Most medical efforts regarding fertility are directed to its control. Natural family planning, based on avoiding intercourse during the time in the cycle near ovulation, is a potential method of regulating fertility. The concept of taking fertility into account with natural family planning can be compared to the abolition of fertility with medical interventions. We studied whether natural family planning can be an alternative to medical suppression of fertility and whether it represents a different way to deal with fertility. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was given to 239 women in a maternity ward in Berlin and 249 women in a maternity ward in Krakow, Poland. On the basis of responses regarding previous methods of contraception and the number of pregnancy terminations we calculated the use of family planning for postponing a pregnancy and the rate of terminations per delivery. Dealing with fertility was operationalized with the frequency of abortion. Results: In Berlin 64% of responding women had used oral contraception, 18% barrier methods, and 12% the rhythm method. In Kracow the rates were 11 %, 21% and 56%, respectively. The rate of abortion per delivery was 0.39 in Berlin and 0.03 in Krakow. Conclusion: Natural family planning can be the predominant method of family planning. The rate of terminations in a population with a high rate of natural family planning is indirect evidence for a different way of dealing with fertility, but this requires further study.