Clients of Abortion Services at the Maternity Hospital Results of a 2010 Survey

Abstract

Introduction: The abortion clinic at the Maternity Hospital has been providing services since 2004. This report examines the client profile, context of abortion, contraceptive use, affordability and overall satisfaction with services.

Data and Methods: We conducted a survey in 2010 among 392 women who presented themselves at the clinic and received first-trimester abortion (surgical evacuation). We analyzed data from the 2010 survey and compared the results with a similar survey conducted in 2005. We also analyzed the trend in service utilization and carried out a cost analysis.

Results: Since its inception, the clinic has provided abortion services to about 19,800 women. There has been a modest increase in the number of women having abortions each year. During 2009, the average was 285 clients per month. The clinic has achieved a positive cash flow in recent years. The survey data showed that the median age of the clients served was 27, and most of them (97.4%) were married with an average of two living children. For little more than half (54%) of the women, the primary reason for pregnancy termination was having already had the number of children desired. Four in five women made the decision to have an abortion jointly with the male partner. Over half of the women (52.8%) reported to have used a method to prevent pregnancy. Of them, 43% used non-program (i.e., withdrawal and safe period) and 57% used program methods (mostly condom and the pill). Among those not using any preventive method (47.2%), nearly half reported the main reason to be due to health conditions. The other important reasons were dislike of the methods (either by self or partner), perception of low risk of pregnancy, and non-compliance (either self or partner forget to use the method). Only 1.5% of all the surveyed women experienced any abortion-procedure-related complications. Most women were satisfied with the services received and the expenses incurred.

Conclusion: Most abortions were sought and received by married women, and the primary reason for abortion was having already achieved the desired family size. Although abortion is most probably unavoidable for many women, family planning programs could play a more effective role in preventing unintended pregnancies.