CONTEXT: Because abortion laws in Mexico, which are generally highly restrictive, are determined by individual states, state-level data are essential for policymakers to make informed decisions. In addition, age-specific abortion estimates are needed, given societal concern about young women's risk for unwanted pregnancy and abortion. METHODS: The Abortion Incidence Complications Method, an established approach designed to obtain national and broad regional estimates, was extended to produce for the first time estimates for age-groups and states. Data included government statistics on postabortion patients and health professionals' estimates concerning abortion complications. States were classified into six regions according to level of development. RESULTS: In 2009, the abortion rate in Mexico was 38 per 1,000 women aged 15-44. The rate was 54 per 1,000 in Region 1 (Mexico City), the most developed region; 35-41 per 1,000 in Regions 2, 3 and 4, which are moderately developed; and 26-27 in Regions 5 and 6, which are the least developed. States' rates of abortion incidence and treatment for induced abortion complications were generally consistent with development level, although exceptions emerged. Age-specific abortion rates peaked among women aged 20-24 and then steadily declined with age; this pattern was observed nationally, regionally and in most states. CONCLUSION: Extension of the Abortion Incidence Complications Method to obtain state- and age-specific data is feasible. Unsafe abortion is common in all states of Mexico, especially among women aged 15-24, suggesting a need for improved family planning and postabortion services.
CONTEXT: Because abortion laws in Mexico, which are generally highly restrictive, are determined by individual states, state-level data are essential for policymakers to make informed decisions. In addition, age-specific abortion estimates are needed, given societal concern about young women's risk for unwanted pregnancy and abortion. METHODS: The Abortion Incidence Complications Method, an established approach designed to obtain national and broad regional estimates, was extended to produce for the first time estimates for age-groups and states. Data included government statistics on postabortion patients and health professionals' estimates concerning abortion complications. States were classified into six regions according to level of development. RESULTS: In 2009, the abortion rate in Mexico was 38 per 1,000 women aged 15-44. The rate was 54 per 1,000 in Region 1 (Mexico City), the most developed region; 35-41 per 1,000 in Regions 2, 3 and 4, which are moderately developed; and 26-27 in Regions 5 and 6, which are the least developed. States' rates of abortion incidence and treatment for induced abortion complications were generally consistent with development level, although exceptions emerged. Age-specific abortion rates peaked among women aged 20-24 and then steadily declined with age; this pattern was observed nationally, regionally and in most states. CONCLUSION: Extension of the Abortion Incidence Complications Method to obtain state- and age-specific data is feasible. Unsafe abortion is common in all states of Mexico, especially among women aged 15-24, suggesting a need for improved family planning and postabortion services.
Authors: Akinrinola Bankole; Isaac F Adewole; Rubina Hussain; Olutosin Awolude; Susheela Singh; Joshua O Akinyemi Journal: Int Perspect Sex Reprod Health Date: 2015-12
Authors: Elard Koch; Paula Aracena; Sebastián Gatica; Miguel Bravo; Alejandra Huerta-Zepeda; Byron C Calhoun Journal: Int J Womens Health Date: 2012-12-05
Authors: Claudia Diaz Olavarrieta; Bela Ganatra; Annik Sorhaindo; Tahilin S Karver; Armando Seuc; Aremis Villalobos; Sandra G García; Martha Pérez; Manuel Bousieguez; Patricio Sanhueza Journal: Bull World Health Organ Date: 2015-02-19 Impact factor: 9.408