Ventura County Survey of Unmarried Pregnant Women, Aged 13-20, 1972-1974

During the period of the study (1972-74), the Public Health Clinic in Ventura County, California served as the primary intake point for nearly all women who received abortions in the county. In addition, large numbers of pregnant women who did not have abortions come to the clinic for prenatal care and counseling. A standard schedule of questions was administered to a sample of unmarried pregnant women between the ages of 13 and 20. These questions focused on contraceptive knowledge, attitudes, and usage; attitudes regarding abortion; and perceived opinions and attitudes of significant others. Additional data included information on work and leisure activities, sexual and reproductive knowledge, and attitudes toward sexuality. The data thus facilitate the study of changes in attitudes and knowledge following pregnancy and contact with the clinic, as well as analysis of factors leading to various decisions regarding the outcomes of the pregnancies. The women who were interviewed in private by on e of three young, female interviewers. Special arrangements were made to interview adolescents in neutral sites away from a home or clinic. The total number of respondents is 406.