title: Legal abortions in the unmarried women: social issues revisited.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To analyze the social factors influencing unmarried pregnancies in urban population.
  
  
  METHODS
  Observational study was conducted at the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Chennai, from January 2006 to December 2010. Convenience sampling technique was used, and 115 subjects were interviewed using structured questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  15.6 % of the subjects were <16 years of age, and 40.8 % were between 17 and 19 years. 21.7 % of the subjects were illiterate. In 60 % of cases, the average daily income was less than Rs. 100. There was history of alcoholism in 60 % of family members. 80 % of girls were involved in sexual activity willingly, and in 20 %, the subjects were assaulted by force. Five subjects were mentally retarded. 52 % were involved in sexual activity with married men. 72 % reported for termination in the second trimester.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is a need for educating girls in the area of gender relationship. Contraceptive awareness should be created.
authors: Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology & Government Hospital for Women and Children, Chennai, India ; 40/78, Second Cross Street, Collectorate Colony, Aminjikarai, Chennai, 600 029 India.
authors: Thangappah Radha Bai
authors: TR
authors: Prabhu
keywords: Legal abortions; Sexual abuse; Social factors; Unmarried pregnancy