TRENDS IN THE CHARACTERISTICS OF WOMEN OBTAINING ABORTIONS IN HIGH-INCOME COUNTRIES

Objectives

We will estimate levels and trends in abortion incidence by age group, union status, gestational age, method of abortion, parity, and nativity for women aged 15-49 in high- and middle-income countries with liberal abortion laws — including the US, where liberal laws prevail in some states — between 2000 and 2023.

Methods

We will calculate characteristic-specific percentage distributions and abortion rates. We compiled abortion data from all high- and middle-income countries with reliable, publicly available information on abortion by any of the other characteristics of interest. For countries without publicly available information, we collected data through a questionnaire sent to experts with access to abortion statistics in those countries. To date, we have gathered data from 32 countries. Population estimates will be drawn from the UN World Population Prospects.

Results

We will identify common patterns in characteristic-specific rates across countries, and highlight countries that deviate from these patterns and those that have experienced the most substantial changes since 2000. We will also examine which sub-groups have seen the most substantial shifts in abortion incidence, potentially identifying leading determinants of change in abortion incidence.

Conclusions

We will discuss potential explanations for observed cross-country differences and trends over time in abortion incidence, in the context of the literature on their determinants, such as policies, contraceptive use, and social norms. This analysis will contribute to further understanding abortion dynamics in high- and middle-income countries. Additionally, these findings will help inform public health strategies and the public understanding of the reproductive health needs of the populations within these countries.