Reasons Why Women Have Induced Abortions: Evidence from 27 Countries

This study examined abortion motivation among women. Analysis was based on published findings from 27 countries an analysis of 3 countries and representative surveys from 52 countries. Popline Medline and Population Index databases bibliographies and unpublished sources were also used. Womens desire to postpone or stop childbearing ranged from 39% in the Central African Republic to 89% in Japan. In 23 countries women chose abortion for many reasons. In 4 developing Asian countries and 3 developed countries women commonly desired a postponement or stop to childbearing. In 10 out of 20 countries 50% of women gave birth timing and family size control reasons for abortion. A second key reason was poverty and economic concerns. Being young and unmarried was a key reason in some countries. Risk to maternal health was less important in Latin America and developed countries. African women tended to report socioeconomic reasons followed by postponement or limiting of births. Asian women favored family size control reasons. Latin American women chose socioeconomic and relationship reasons. Developed countries favored family size control and timing reasons. In 10 countries education was not associated age was moderately associated and marital status was associated with reasons. Married women tended to give socioeconomic and family size control reasons. Unmarried women cited socioeconomic factors and youth or parental objections. In the US abortion reasons were similar to reasons for stopping childbearing. Research affirms that improved contraceptive practice is an important way to reduce abortion.