Contraceptive practice among New Zealand women.

In May 1976 the contraceptive practices of New Zealand women were surveyed among a national random probability sample of 1200 women aged 15 years and over. The survey found 93 percent of women aged 15-44 years considered themselves at risk of pregnancy. Of all women surveyed, almost half (two-thirds of those at risk) currently practised contraception. The highest incidence was among women aged 25-44 years. Single women at risk contracepted less frequently than did married women. The most frequently used method was the contraceptive pill, favoured particularly by younger women. It was followed by sterilisation of either partner, which was most frequent among women aged 25-44 years.