Reducing unwanted pregnancies in Greenland.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: In 2002 the number of births in Greenland was 940 and the number of abortions 821. The Home Rule Government in Greenland and PAARISA, The Department of Health (Ministry of Health) have the goal to reduce the abortion rate in Greenland with 50% within the next 5 years. In spring 2003 an internal campaign was carried out in 8 communities/hospitals: Ittoqqortoormiit, Upernavik, Ilulissat, Aasiaat, Maniitsoq, Paamiut, Narsaq and Qaqortoq. The aim of the campaign was to recognize the problems and wishes for the future effort from the perspective of professionals (health professionals, teachers, preventive workers). STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive analyses of possibilities and barriers among professionals and lay people. METHODS: Participating observations, individual and group interviews. RESULTS: Though there are local variations, many problems are identical in the different communities. The general problems are related to collaboration, sexual supervision, education and mediation, contraceptive methods, access to contraceptive methods and moral standards in communities and the society in general. CONCLUSION: Increased collaboration between professionals, lay people and key persons in the community; improved quality and focus on sexual education; awareness on contraceptive methods used; new strategies in access to (desirable) condoms and increased focus on the problems related to unwanted pregnancies in society.