Attitudes toward the rhythm method in the Philippines

Two sets of focus group discussions on the advantages and disadvantages of the rhythm method were carried out in the Philippines in 1980 and 1981. The first discussions were held among 30 women and nine men 21-40 years of age, and the second among eight women 25-35 years of age who had voluntary pregnancy terminations after the method had failed. Among the perceived advantages of rhythm were that it permits spontaneous intercourse on the safe days and has no bad side effects. Among the perceived disadvantages were that it is ineffective, especially for women with irregular periods, and it requires abstinence. The women who had had voluntary pregnancy terminations discussed their motivations and rationales and the methods that they had used. The information obtained from the discussions formed the basis for support materials that are now used throughout the country. 2 sets of focus group discussions on the advantages and disadvantages of the rhythm method were carried out in the Philippines in 1980 and 1981. The 1st discussions were held among 30 women and 9 men 21-40 years of age, and the 2nd among 8 women 25-35 years of age who had voluntary pregnancy terminations after the method failed. Among the perceived advantages of rhythm were that it permits spontaneous intercourse on the safe days and has no bad side effects. Among the perceived disadvantages were that it is ineffective, especially for women with irregular periods, and it requires abstinence. Traditional methods for terminating a pregnancy were jumping on logs while working in the forest, eating roots of the chico tree, drinking quinine extracted from a white cheesewood tree, and drinking the juice/tea made from roots. Women personalize the decision to have an abortion with only secondary reference to external moral or legal systems. They have a clear set of perceptions about the nature of the fetus; they justify an abortion on the basis of the fetus's stage of development. The information obtained from these discussions formed the basis for support materials that are now used throughout the country.