12 May 2016
By Inga Vesper

Countries that forbid (click here) and punish abortions have higher termination rates than countries that permit and support these procedures, a study has found.

Research published today in The Lancet shows that abortion rates have dropped significantly in developed countries where abortions are allowed. But rates have remained static in developing countries where the procedure is criminalised and often undertaken in illicit, unsafe environments.

The evidence indicates that access to good healthcare and modern contraception are the most important factors in reducing abortion rates, says Gilda Sedgh, the study's lead author and a researcher at the Guttmacher Institute, a US organisation that aims to advance sexual and reproductive rights.

"In developing countries, family planning services do not seem to be keeping up with the increasing desire for smaller families," Sedgh explains. "More than 80 per cent of unintended pregnancies are experienced by women with an unmet need for modern methods of contraception, and many unwanted pregnancies end in abortion."...

The Lancet (click here)

11 May 2016

Interpretation

Abortion rates have declined significantly since 1990 in the developed world but not in the developing world. Ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health care could help millions of women avoid unintended pregnancies and ensure access to safe abortion.