The relationship of abortion to trends in contraception and fertility in Brazil, Colombia and Mexico
Singh, S.; Sedgh, G.
International Family Planning Perspectives 23(1): 4-14
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0190-3187 DOI: 10.2307/2950780Document Number: 450547
Analysis of national and regional estimates of the incidence of induced abortion in Brazil during 1980, 1986 and 1991, Colombia during 1976, 1986 and 1990 and Mexico during 1977, 1987 and 1992, indicated a clear rise in the abortion rate in Brazil and increases in the abortion ratio in all 3 countries. Cross-sectional analysis showed no significant correlation between the abortion rate and contraceptive use, except in Mexico in 1992, where a strong positive association was observed. Longitudinally, the abortion rate increased as contraceptive use increased in most regions of Brazil and Mexico throughout the study period, and in parts of Colombia until 1986. In Colombia and the most urban region of Mexico, the abortion rate declined as contraceptive use stabilized or increased. The abortion ratio was positively associated with contraceptive use over time in nearly every region of each country. The role of abortion in fertility decline was greatest in Brazil, where the general fertility rate would have been nearly 13% higher in 1991 if the abortion ratio had not increased from its level in 1980. Abortion tended to have a greater impact on fertility in regions where contraceptive use was low. It is concluded that contraceptive use appears to have been a more important determinant of fertility than abortion, but abortion has played an important subsidiary role in determining fertility levels and trends in these countries.