Antonio Bernabé-Ortiz, Peter J White, Cesar P Carcamo, James P Hughes, Marco A Gonzales, Patricia J Garcia, Geoff P Garnett, King K Holmes
Abstract
Background: Clandestine induced abortions are a public health problem in many developing countries where access to abortion services is legally restricted. We estimated the prevalence and incidence of, and risk factors for, clandestine induced abortions in a Latin American country. Methods: We conducted a large population-based survey of women aged 18–29 years in 20 cities in Peru. We asked questions about their history of spontaneous and induced abortions, using techniques to encourage disclosure.Interpretation: The incidence of clandestine, potentially unsafe induced abortion in Peru is as high as or higher than the rates in many countries where induced abortion is legal and safe. The provision of contraception and safer- sex education to those who require it needs to be greatly improved and could potentially reduce the rate of induced abortion.
Keywords:
Bernabé-Ortiz A, White PJ, Carcamo CP, Hughes JP, Gonzales MA, Garcia PJ et al. Clandestine induced abortion: prevalence, incidence and risk factors among women in a Latin American country. Can Med Ass J. 2009;180(3):298-304.