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Data are presented describing contraception among 1,022 women during the 12 months preceding induced abortion. Contraception was practiced by 45.5 per cent of the sample, was technically inadequate, was frequently changed for other ineffective methods, and was often discontinued. At conception, 18.8 per cent of patients were practicing contraception. Several variables indicated higher probabilities of contraception: older age, multiparity, previous stillbirths, spontaneous or induced abortions, being white, and no religious preference. Identical variables characterized women continuing contraception who, in addition, were probably married, had experienced fewer changes in their relationships, had told partners about their contraceptive practices, had frequent coitus, and used technically reliable methods. Implications for future research are discussed.

Late pregnancy abortions, with their attendant risk of more serious medical and psychological sequelae, were not randomly distributed among a population of 443 women who successfully applied for an induced abortion. Women between the eleventh and twentieth weeks of pregnancy were significantly more likely to: be under 21 years old, single, have 0 or 1 living child, be Black, not have completed high school, be Protestant, have been referred through clinic or university services, and to have not used a contraceptive at time of conception. Directions for future research are discussed.

One hundred and seventy-one abortion patients, randomly assigned to three defined counseling procedures (group orientation, group process, and individual) were matched by counselor. Data collected were: circumstances surrounding the pregnancy (before counseling); reaction to counseling session (after counseling—before abortion); response to abortion (post abortum). Over-all responses to counseling and abortion were favorable, particularly those of women over 20 years old. Most women preferred individual counseling. Responses to the abortion procedure were more positive among women over 20 years old who had individual counseling. Younger women responded to the abortion more favorably after experiencing either type of group counseling. Women of all ages, when counseled by group process, would be more likely to terminate future unwanted pregnancies by abortion, this being especially significant in the younger age group.