A Chinese medical expert has called for efforts to educate college students on how to take contraceptive measures in order to avoid unwanted pregnancy.

An investigation has found that the abortion rate of unmarried females in some cities, mostly college girls, is higher than that of the married females, and the rate of pregnancy before marriage has risen from 25 percent in 1999 to 75 percent in 2004, according to Yan Fengting, an expert on female health.

The investigation conducted by Yan found that among those who undertake abortion operations, 80 percent take no contraceptive measures during the course and 23 percent don't know how to take contraceptive measures.

Also the abortion rate in urban areas is higher than that in rural areas, said Yan, who was attending a conference on women's health.

Another survey which covered 2,600 college students found that 70.4 percent of the respondents said that they do not mind having sex before marriage if they really fall in love with a person.

Experts suggest to spread knowledge on reproduction for females in a bid to reduce abortions, which they said are "physically and psychologically" harmful to females and their future marriage life.

(Xinhua News Agency October 8, 2005)