Contextual determinants of induced abortion: a panel analysis

Abstract

OBJECTIVE Analyze the contextual and individual characteristics that explain the differences in the induced abortion rate, temporally and territorially.METHODS We conducted an econometric analysis with panel data of the influence of public investment in health and per capita income on induced abortion as well as a measurement of the effect of social and economic factors related to the labor market and reproduction: female employment, immigration, adolescent fertility and marriage rate. The empirical exercise was conducted with a sample of 22 countries in Europe for the 2001-2009 period.RESULTS The great territorial variability of induced abortion was the result of contextual and individual socioeconomic factors. Higher levels of national income and investments in public health reduce its incidence. The following sociodemographic characteristics were also significant regressors of induced abortion: female employment, civil status, migration, and adolescent fertility.CONCLUSIONS Induced abortion responds to sociodemographic patterns, in which the characteristics of each country are essential. The individual and contextual socioeconomic inequalities impact significantly on its incidence. Further research on the relationship between economic growth, labor market, institutions and social norms is required to better understand its transnational variability and to reduce its incidence.

Induced abortion and gender (in)equality in Europe: A panel analysis

“…In terms of the former, these include analyses that have explored the effects of economic, cultural, political and ideological structures on women’s decisions about induced abortion, and which have revealed the important role played by the specific contextual factors of the country involved. For instance, variation in abortion rates in relation to income level (Gil-Lacruz et al, 2012; Llorente-Marrón et al, 2016), and, more recently, how economic crisis may lead to an increase in the incidence of abortion (Madureira Lima et al, 2016).…”

“…On the other hand are those studies which have focused on individual determinants which may influence, to a greater or lesser degree, why women have abortions, such as women’s employment status (Delgado and Barrios, 2007; Rasch et al, 2002), educational level (Font-Ribera et al, 2008; Pérez et al, 2010), civil status and age (Delgado and Barrios, 2007; Galobardes et al, 2006; Llorente-Marrón et al, 2016; Väisänen, 2017) and immigrant status (Helstrom et al, 2003; Pérez et al, 2013), among others.…”

Experiences with family planning and abortion services during the Covid-19 pandemic: a qualitative study in Bangladesh, Iran and Netherlands

“…Furthermore, until the 24th week of pregnancy, abortion can be done without any restrictions. This time limit, however, is not applicable in case of fetal deformity or mother's health risks ([ 34 ] cited by [ 35 ]).…”

Reproductive Health Practices in Spanish Women Who Underwent Voluntary Termination of Pregnancy

“…Voluntary Termination of Pregnancy (hereinafter referred to as VTP) occurs when a woman decides to end her pregnancy by medical procedures before the full term. It is a global phenomenon that responds to sociodemographic patterns, such as gestational age, the presence or absence of a stable partner, migration, a poor educational level, the characteristics of each country and the religious context [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. On the other hand, VTP has negative consequences for women’s health, influences female sexuality and women’s emotional reactions linked to a sense of loss.…”

“…The incidence of VTP is an important indicator of unplanned pregnancies, the effectiveness of contraceptive services and use of effective contraception [ 2 ]. The rate of VTP in Spain has decreased between 2008 and 2016 from 11.78 to 10.36 per 1000 women between 15 and 44 years old, respectively, according to the National Institute of Statistics.…”