Effects of induced abortion and son preference on the imbalance of sex ratio in Korea.

Abstract

"This study examines the trend and determinants of pregnancy outcomes in [South] Korea during the period from the early 1960s to the early 1990s using data from a retrospective survey of pregnancies. First, pregnancy outcomes are compared between the subsamples which are divided by the year of pregnancy and by the number of existing children. Within each subsample, comparisons are also made according to premarital pregnancy, sex composition of existing children, women's education level and the place of residence. The following section focuses on the pregnancy outcomes by the contraceptive methods used when one became pregnant. Finally, selective abortions and their implications [for] fertility and the sex ratio are discussed." (EXCERPT)