How to improve the situation with abortion prevention and contraception

• Published in: The European journal of contraception & reproductive health care Vol. 17; p. S160
• Main Authors: Podzolkova, NM, Korennaya, VV
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Carnforth Taylor & Francis Ltd 01.06.2012
• Subjects: Abortion; Birth control; Health care policy; Pregnancy; Women; Europe; Russia
• ISSN: 1362-5187; 1473-0782

Between 1995 and 2003, the number of abortions per 1,000 women of childbearing age worldwide dropped from 35-29. It has remained almost unchanged since that time. Both the lowest and highest subregional abortion rates are in Europe. In Western Europe, this rate is 12 per 1,000 women, while in Eastern Europe it is 43. The discrepancy in rates between the two regions reflects relatively low contraceptive use in Eastern Europe, as well as a high degree of reliance on methods with relatively high user failure rates, such as the condom, withdrawal and the rhythm method. Each country has its own right to define the legal status of abortions. Highly restrictive abortion laws are not associated with lower abortion rates. For example, the abortion rate in Latin America -- a region where abortion is illegal -- is 32 per 1,000. In Western Europe, where abortion is generally permitted on broad grounds, this number is 12 per 1,000. An unintended pregnancy is the main reason of abortion; that is why wide usage of reliable contraception can play a key role in abortion prevention. The uptake of modern contraceptive methods worldwide has slowed in recent years, from an increase of 0.6 percentage points per year in 1990-1999 to an increase of only 0.1 percentage points per year in 2000-2009. In the Russian Federation, women's reasons for not using contraceptives most commonly include concerns about possible side effects, the belief that they are not at risk of getting pregnant, poor access to family planning, and their partners' opposition to contraception. Reducing unmet need for modern contraception is an effective way to prevent unintended pregnancies, abortions and unplanned births. Educational programmes for gynaecologists in this field about safety of new methods of contraception are essential. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]