O-21: Challenges of Elective Abortion in Iranian Society

Background: Elective Abortion means termination of pregnancy by drugs or manipulation. The aim of this research is to evaluate the challenges of elective abortion in Iranian society. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study is done on 113 pregnant women wanted to do abortion who referred to Dr Rasekh clinic that were studied through a questionnaire with six questions. Collection of information was very difficult because most of the patients who according to the documents are asked to registere in our clinic initially denied their purpose to abort. Finally, after a long time of explaining about the privacy of our research as well as assuring them not to reveal their secrets, they trust and agreed answering the questions. Results: 44% of women requestors of abortions are due to pregnancy during engagement period despite the legal marriage, 20% due to economical problems, 14% due to the multiple number of children and old age, 5%due to adultery relationship (illegitimate relationship), 4% due to genetics disorders, 4% due to fetal sex, due to struggle with her husband and divorce plan, 3% due to child apathy, and 3% due to unawareness and inaccurate consultation. Conclusion: There is only one way to prevent illegal abortions that it is to expand the dimension of education. Contraception education is essential for every age group and promote cultural and religious precepts of the moral teachings of Islam and other divine religions. The role of the mass media as well as religious missionaries at all levels of counseling by people who have a positive impact on families and by committed physicians is important but this information must continued.