Articles tagged with Abortion
A study found that distressing life events and poverty are significant factors behind many abortions in the US. Nearly half of women who used contraception at the time of pregnancy reported disruptions from these events affecting their contraceptive use.
The May issue of Reproductive Health Matters explores the causes and impact of the gap between policy and practice in maternal health and maternal mortality in India and other countries. It highlights both the good and bad news characterizing this gap, including hopeful signs of progress.
A Queen's University study suggests that people's life expectancy expectations can shape their major life choices, such as getting married, having children, or seeking divorce. The research is based on population data from Statistics Canada and supports the idea that life history theory influences human decision-making.
A new study published in The Lancet found that misoprostol substantially reduces serious complications in early termination of pregnancy. Women given misoprostol were nearly a third less likely to experience one complication or more compared to those receiving placebo.
A recent study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found no association between first-trimester induced abortion and increased risk of psychiatric readmission among women with a history of treated mental disorders. In contrast, the risk was higher during the first month after childbirth.
The global abortion rate has stagnated since 2003, while the proportion of unsafe abortions continues to increase. Despite a decline in unwanted pregnancies, the number of abortions in developing countries rose significantly between 2003 and 2008.
A study by the University of Granada found that low plasma levels of copper and zinc are associated with an increased risk of spontaneous abortion. The research involved 265 pregnant women, with 132 experiencing miscarriage, and revealed significant differences in maternal plasma concentrations of these essential minerals.
A survey of 733 medical students found that nearly half believe doctors should object to certain procedures, such as abortions and intimate examinations. Muslim students were more likely to express this view, while Jewish students were less likely.
Research found that women over 35 have higher rates of first trimester pregnancy loss and preclinical abortion after ICSI treatment. Ovarian response significantly impacts live birth rates, with optimal outcomes seen in those with 11 or more eggs retrieved.
A team of international researchers is re-examining the concept of abortion stigma, shifting focus from women who've had abortions to a broader context. The study aims to identify constituents, causes, and consequences of abortion stigma, with potential implications for improving access to care and better health outcomes.
A new study at Oregon Health & Science University found that immediate IUD insertion after abortion significantly reduces unintended pregnancies compared to delayed insertion. The study also highlighted the challenges of accessing IUDs due to federal policy restrictions.
New research reveals that Indian families are selectively aborting girls if their first child is also a girl, leading to a widening imbalance in the child sex ratio. The study estimates that millions of selective abortions have occurred over the past few decades, contributing to the problem.
In Poland, the criminalization of abortion has led to a vast illegal private sector with no controls on price or quality. Since abortion became illegal, hospitals have seen a 99% decline in procedures, while doctors have generated millions in unregistered income by performing clandestine abortions.
Despite significant improvements in child survival interventions and education, Brazil still faces challenges in reducing maternal mortality rates and increasing access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas.
A University of Missouri study shows that religious beliefs still impact voting patterns, even as church attendance decreases. The study found that religion is a key factor influencing voter turnout and platform preferences, particularly on social issues.
A study published in The Lancet found that properly trained auxiliary nurse midwives and nurses can administer safe, low-technology medical abortion services as effectively as doctors. This could expand access to safe abortion services in developing countries where unmet need is greatest.
The sex ratio at birth is skewed due to son preference and easy access to sex-selective abortions, leading to a significant imbalance between males and females in China, India, and South Korea. The number of males under 20 exceeds the number of females by around 32 million in China.
Researchers found a significant decrease in unintended pregnancies and abortions when women received a one-year supply of oral contraceptives. The study suggests that a larger supply allows for more consistent use, reducing the need for frequent clinic visits or resupply trips.
A new study found that most Australians reject sex-selection practices like IVF for selecting a child's sex. The majority of respondents disapproved IVF use for sex selection, with only 11% supporting the legalization of hypothetical blue and pink pills.
A new national study published in Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health found no link between abortion and depression or low self-esteem in adolescents. The study used a nationally representative sample of 289 respondents and followed them for five years.
A 25-year study found that intrauterine devices significantly reduced repeat abortions among young women. The researchers suggest that healthcare providers should increase the use of long-acting contraceptive methods like IUDs as an effective alternative to the pill.
New studies reveal the high costs of implementing performance-reporting requirements for primary care practices, which can range from $1,000 to $11,100 per practitioner. Researchers also warn that undisclosed changes made to clinical trial outcomes threaten the integrity of scientific research. In contrast, early abortion care in famil...
Research finds that grades and parents' education play a significant role in determining abortion decisions among young unwed women. The study also reveals that conservative Protestant classmates may have an 'abortion-limiting effect' on women in their 20s, but not in their teens.
A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that despite strict abortion laws in Peru, nearly 12% of women reported having induced abortions. The study, which surveyed over 8,000 women aged 18-29, highlights the need for improved access to contraception and education to reduce abortion rates.
The supplement addresses complex issues surrounding second trimester abortion, including methods, values, and public policy. In-depth country-based research is needed to bring out facts and support second trimester abortion as a legitimate form of women's health care.
Women who have had two or more induced abortions have a 60% reduced risk of pre-eclampsia compared to those with no history. Physical activity during pregnancy shows some protection against pre-eclampsia, particularly among women under 25 BMI.
A new study from the University of Adelaide found that young people from 10 countries have differing attitudes towards sharing housework and a woman's right to an abortion. Young women are more supportive of domestic democracy, while young men are more likely to want to have their say in abortion decisions.
Unsafe abortions are common in Latin America and Africa, with 3.7 million and 4.2 million reported annually, respectively. The lack of access to safe abortion services exacerbates maternal mortality and social injustice. Feminist groups and civil organizations advocate for decriminalization, but conservative positions hinder progress.
Scientists have identified a genetic mutation responsible for impaired fetal movement, which can lead to multiple miscarriages and birth defects. The mutation affects the acetylcholine receptor pathway, disrupting normal muscle function and fetal development.
A new study published in Social Science Quarterly reveals that religious women are less likely to obtain abortions compared to secular women. This is because religious women tend to lead more sexually conservative lifestyles, which reduces their likelihood of becoming pregnant before marriage and seeking an abortion.
The Pope has expressed support for scientific theories such as evolution and climate change, with the Vatican sponsoring a conference on climate change in 2006. However, he has not altered the church's opposition to using condoms to prevent HIV transmission or supporting abortion rights. In contrast, some progressive Catholics and cler...
The study found that maternal mortality decreased by 68% in the ICDDR,B region and 54% in the government region over a 30-year period. Additionally, educational differentials played a significant role in reducing maternal mortality, with women having more than eight years of schooling being less likely to die.
The Lancet study reveals that nearly a third of pregnancies in Europe end in abortion, while the rate in Africa is significantly lower. The study attributes the decline in abortion rates in Eastern Europe to increased use of modern contraception methods.
A study of 2,046 women found that misoprostol administration under the tongue or vaginally can be effective, but sublingual administration causes more side effects. The optimal interval for vaginal administration is between three and 12 hours, while sublingual administration requires shorter intervals to minimize side effects.
Young women in urban China want more information on contraception but need private and anonymous access due to judgmental attitudes. A pilot workplace intervention showed promising results with popular information leaflets, but low uptake of free family planning services.
A study of 105,716 premenopausal women found no association between abortion or miscarriage and breast cancer risk. Women who carried a pregnancy to term may have a reduced lifetime risk of breast cancer due to accelerated breast cell differentiation.
A study comparing trained mid-level providers (MLPs) to doctors for first-trimester manual vacuum aspiration abortions found that MLPs are equally safe as doctors. In South Africa and Vietnam, rates of complications were low and comparable between the two groups, with women reporting equal satisfaction.
A recent study estimates that five million women are hospitalized annually in developing countries due to complications from unsafe abortions. The World Health Organization defines unsafe abortion as a procedure lacking proper medical standards or skills.
A study found that one-third of pregnancies in Edinburgh, Scotland ended in unintended childbirth, with around a quarter of women being ambivalent about their intention to become pregnant. The researchers emphasize the need for improved contraception use and awareness-raising strategies to reduce unintended pregnancies.
A review of Clostridium sordellii infections suggests that the connection between mifepristone and misoprostol in medically induced abortions is unclear. Despite four reported deaths, nearly 2 million European women have used mifepristone without C. sordellii infections. Further research is needed to identify factors that predispose to...
The Lancet warns that conservative forces are undermining progress in sexual and reproductive health, resulting in 19 million women facing unsafe abortions, 80 million couples having unmet contraceptive needs, and 340 million new cases of gonorrhoea, syphilis, and chlamydia each year. Effective measures to prevent unintended pregnancy,...
Every year, 68,000 women die from unsafe induced abortions. Accessing safe, legal abortion improves women's health and can reduce these fatalities. Legalizing abortion is necessary but insufficient; making it safe and accessible is also crucial.
A new study by Indiana University researchers found that state laws protecting abortion clinics have had no impact on violent crimes against them. Surprisingly, data from 361 clinics showed 7% experiencing major or minor violence, with 44% experiencing harassment.
A Florida State University study found that parental notification laws and consent requirements significantly reduced risky sexual behavior among teens, with a 20% decrease in gonorrhea rates among Hispanic girls. However, the results were not statistically significant for black girls.
A large study found that increasing paternal age is significantly associated with increased rates of spontaneous abortion. Women with partners aged 35 or older had nearly three times as many miscarriages as compared to women conceiving with men younger than 25 years of age.
A new study by veterinary researchers at Oregon State University has linked vesivirus to a major epidemic of abortion in Kentucky Thoroughbred mares. The findings suggest that broodmares are being commonly exposed to vesivirus from unknown sources, and that exposure to such horses might be a concern for pregnant women.
A Romanian study reveals that children born after an abortion ban had significantly better educational outcomes, finishing high school and working in advanced jobs. The study attributes this positive effect to changes in the composition of women having children, particularly among urban and educated mothers.
The Lancet comments on the FDA's delay in approving Plan B, an emergency contraceptive. The agency's failure to make a decision undermines its credibility. The acting FDA commissioner is urged to move swiftly and show independence.
The UK Department for International Development has pledged £3 million over two years to address the shortfall in funding for safe abortion services. This move aims to support the third, fourth, and fifth Millennium Development Goals, which focus on empowering women, saving children's lives, and reducing maternal mortality.
A first published analysis of the FDA's mifepristone reports reveals 607 adverse events, including fatalities from bleeding or septic shock. The authors call for increased research into allergic and fatal septic reactions and propose measures to improve safety monitoring.
Women who had an abortion experienced more mental distress in the long term compared to those who had a miscarriage. They also reported higher levels of anxiety and felt guilty or ashamed about their decision.
A new gene mutation in a plant has been found to reduce seed production by up to 70%, potentially allowing crops to conserve resources during stressful environments. This discovery may lead to improved crop yields and more resilient plants.
Researchers propose a mechanism by which mifepristone increases the risk of fatal C. sordellii infections, including septic shock and death. The antiprogesterone effects of mifepristone may disrupt immune function, allowing bacteria to thrive in the cervical canal.
The nuclear family model is becoming widespread in St Petersburg, with Russian women giving birth to one child on average. However, many women experience health problems and unintended infertility. Positive developments include improved sexual education and the use of reliable contraceptives among young women.
The Cairo Conference's 20-year plan for reproductive health is under threat from conservative and liberal ideological battles, international funding shortfalls, and the HIV pandemic. The situation has resulted in 60 million unwanted pregnancies, 19 million unsafe abortions, and half a million maternal deaths annually.
A study of 273 family physicians and obstetricians found that many doctors overestimated the risk of major fetal malformations from X-rays and CT scans. Most diagnostic imaging exams result in less than 50 mGy of radiation exposure to the fetus, dispelling a misconception that can lead to unnecessary anxiety and terminations.
A large-scale re-analysis of data from 53 studies suggests that pregnancies ending in miscarriage or induced abortion do not increase the risk of developing breast cancer. The findings contradict previous, less reliable studies that suggested a potential link between abortion and breast cancer.
Researchers analyzed over 13,000 live term births to assess the effect of medical abortion on subsequent pregnancy's birth weight. The study found that women who had undergone a medically induced abortion had lower rates of Low Birth Weight compared to those with no abortion history.
Maternal deaths worldwide can be addressed by investing in effective technologies and ensuring their availability. The Lancet series highlights key causes, including haemorrhage, sepsis, and obstructed labour.
A manual, low-tech method for 2nd trimester abortions has been deemed safe and effective. The study, conducted at Johns Hopkins Medicine, compared the procedure to electric vacuum aspiration and found no significant differences in complications or procedure time.