[Women's opinion on abortion legalization in a middle size county in southern Brazil].
BACKGROUND
Induced abortion is the main cause of maternal death in Brazil. Question of its legalization has been the subject of frequent discussion.


METHODS
In order to assess the influence of the variables affecting the opinion of women of reproductive age, a population-based systematic sample in the county of Rio Grande (Southern Brazil) was examined.


RESULTS
Of a total of 1,456 interviews 30% endorsed the legalization, whatever the circumstances; this percentage was directly associated with age, schooling, family income and previous induced abortion (p < 0.01). Adjusted analysis using logistic regression showed a significant effect of schooling and previous induced abortion on favourable opinion.


CONCLUSIONS
Schooling and previous induced abortion were the main determinants of women's favorable opinions regarding abortion legalization.
César
J A
JA
Departamento Materno-Infantil da Fundação Universidade do Rio Grande, Brasil. jcesar@hsph.harvard.edu
Gomes
G
G
Horta
B L
BL
de Oliveira
A K
AK
Saraiva
A K
AK
Pardo
D O
DO
Silva
L M
LM
Rodghiero
C L
CL
Gross
M R
MR
D000028:Abortion, Induced; D000029:Abortion, Legal; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007883:Legislation, Medical; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D011639:Public Opinion; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014930:Women
Opinião de mulheres sobre a legalização do aborto em município de porte médio no Sul do Brasil.