Trying to prevent abortion.
It is known that, since antiquity, women confronted with an unwanted pregnancy have used abortion as a means of resolving their dilemma. Although undoubtedly widely used in all historical ages, abortion has come to be regarded as an event preferably avoided because of the impact on the women concerned as well as considerations for fetal life. Policies to reduce numbers and rates of abortion must acknowledge certain observations. Criminalization does not prevent abortion but increases maternal risks. A society's 'openness' in discussing sexual matters inversely correlates with abortion rates. Correlation between contraceptive use and abortion is also inverse but relates most closely to the efficacy of contraceptive methods used. 'Revolution' in the range of contraceptive methods used will have an equivalent impact on abortion rates. Secondary or emergency contraceptive methods have a considerable role to play in the reduction of abortion numbers. Good sex (and 'relationships') education programs may delay sexual debut, increase contraceptive usage and be associated with reduced abortion. Finally, interaction between socioeconomic factors and the choice between abortion and ongoing pregnancy are complex. Abortion is not necessarily chosen by those least able to support a child financially.
Academic Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK.
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Bromham
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EJ
Oloto
D000024:Abortion, Illegal / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000029:Abortion, Legal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000401:mortality / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003268:Contraception Behavior; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D012736:Sex Education / Q000379:methods; D012945:Social Values; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014852:Wales / Q000453:epidemiology