The hypothesis that value orientation is a more important determinant of fertility behavior than social class was examined in this study. Data were obtained from 4 rural high schools in Lawrence County, Ohio. The sample consisted of 500 Protestant, white single students. Dependent variables were youth attitudes toward abortion and Ohio's abortion law. Independent variables were value orientations and social class. It was found that youths with modern value orientations had more liberal attitudes toward abortion, that youths from a high socioeconomic status expressed more liberal attitudes than youths from a low socioeconomic status, and that value orientations affect attitudes toward abortion apart from socioeconomic status. The major conclusion was that there existed a significant and positive correlation between modern value orientation and attitudes of rural youth toward abortion and Ohio's abortion law. (PS)