The Pattern of Induced Abortion in Mexico: Disparities between Less and More Developed Regions

Fatima Juarez, El Colegio de México
Susheela D. Singh, Guttmacher Institute
Isaac Maddow-Zimet, Guttmacher Institute

In Mexico, despite stringent abortion laws (except in Mexico City), and despite high contraceptive prevalence, national abortion incidence is high (Juarez et al, 2008). The aim of this study is to improve understanding by examining differences in abortion incidence by level of development of regions. The objectives of the paper are: (a) to develop an existing methodology to produce estimates for smaller areas (states and developmental regions); (b) to present updated abortion estimates for 2009, nationally and by developmental regions, and to better understand the context in which abortion is occurring in Mexico. Findings will allow us to assess the extent to which abortion incidence is associated with socio-economic development in a context where many social, economic and demographic changes have occurred and where the conservative government has reduced public sector support for provision of contraceptive services over the past nine years.