Objective To determine the situation of contraceptive use and impact factors among reproductive-age women seeking abortion in Kunming which was in the southwest of China in order to provide information for improving contraceptive use. Methods A hospital-based study was conducted among 397 women of reproductive age, seeking abortion in hospitals of different levels in Kunming from June 2011 to December 2011. They were face to face interviewed by the trained investigators with the questionnaires. Results Among 397 women, 229 cases (57.7%) had experienced induced abortion. Abortion accounted for 61.7% of married women, and unmarried accounted for 39.3%. About 36.3%never used any contraceptives, and only 21.4%of respondents used contraceptives at every intercourse. The main contraceptive before this pregnancy was condom (68.9%) . The use of contraceptives was mainly decided by couple (73.4%) . Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that respondents' age, educational level and access to contraceptives in hospital were associated with the use of contraceptive. Conclusion Premarital pregnancy and low rate of contraception are the main reason for induced abortion. Fewer reproductive-age women seeking abortion use contraceptives. It is necessary to increase their awareness of contraception and abortion related knowledge, provide feasible contraceptive to enable women to avoid unwilling pregnancy. Further more, it is important to promote male involvement in contraception.