Characteristics of women who seek induced abortions in developing countries

Sophia Chae, Guttmacher Institute
Sheila Desai, Guttmacher Institute
Marjorie Crowell, Guttmacher Institute
Gilda Sedgh, Guttmacher Institute

In 2008, more than three-quarters of abortions occurring worldwide took place in developing countries. In the developing world, abortion incidence varies across subregions, due to differences in rates of unintended pregnancy, and in probabilities of terminating an unintended pregnancy. Our paper aims to understand the characteristics of women seeking induced abortions in developing countries. We use data from nationally representative surveys, national official statistics, studies of abortion patients, and other sources to examine whether abortion incidence varies by women’s age, wealth, parity, education, and residence in 33 countries. Preliminary results based on evidence from Congo (Brazzaville), Gabon, and Ghana indicate that women who are young, wealthy, educated, and living in urban areas account for a larger share of all abortions and have higher abortion rates than their counterparts. These finding have implications for programs aimed at reducing the incidence and consequences of unintended pregnancy and unsafe abortion.