Contraceptive failure was an important determinant of fertility in China in the 1980s.

Based on the data from the China Two-per-Thousand Fertility Survey, this study shows that about 7% of the general fertility rate of currently married women aged 15-49 for a 12-month period is attributed to contraceptive failure, mainly due to the high failure rate associated with IUD use.

A number of demographic characteristics are associated with contraceptive use, and with contraceptive failure and its outcome.

Relevant socioeconomic differentials are also identified.