Abortion and unmet need for contraception in Tanzania -- the role of male partners in teenage induced abortion in Dar es Salaam.

Abstract

The reactions of male partners to an unwanted adolescent pregnancy and the role these men played in helping their partner to obtain an induced abortion were investigated in interviews conducted with 150 teenagers (mean age 17.5 years) admitted to four hospitals in Dar Es Salaam Tanzania in 1991-92 with abortion complications. 44.8% of these teens were not aware of a single contraceptive method and only 18% were using contraception--primarily ineffective methods such as rhythm (6%). 44.4% of respondents considered abortion as soon as they learned they were pregnant. 60.8% reported they had conceived with a steady boyfriend and at the time of interview 52% remained in an ongoing relationship with their male partner. Less than 10% reported their male partner was a teenager and 31% attributed their pregnancy to a man over 45 years of age. 27% of teenage girls did not inform the man responsible about the pregnancy while another 46% confided first in their male partner. Among teenage girls in the latter group 62.3% were advised by their male partner to abort 15.9% were urged to carry the pregnancy to term and 17% of partners showed no interest and gave no suggestions. Only 31% of girls reported their male partner was instrumental in locating an abortionist. Close relatives friends neighbors and work colleagues were more likely to be sources of information. On the other hand 47.6% of male partners were prepared to pay the abortionists fee. Finally only 16.9% of male partners advised or helped the girl to seek hospital treatment when abortion-related complications occur. These results suggest several areas of grave concern including the large unmet need for contraceptive information and supplies among female adolescents and the probable sexual exploitation of female teens by older men.