Knowledge about Legality of Induced Abortions in Rural Area of Wahga

Abstract

Objectives: To identify prevalence of Ill-legally induced Abortions in ever-married women of reproductive age group residing.

Study Design: Descriptive / cross sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Diyal Village, Wahga Town Lahore from 1^st April 2015 to 31^st March 2016.

Materials and Methods: Women who had abortion during the last five years were enrolled for the study. A semi-structured questionnaire with open and close-ended questions was used to gather the information for abortions.

Results: Among the 746 houses in the village eighty six women experienced 402 pregnancies during their reproductive span. Among these 402 pregnancies, number of abortions was 127/402 (31.6%). Out of 127 abortions included per inclusion criterion 70/120 (58.3%) induced abortions were reported. While 50/120 (41.7%) were spontaneous. Looking into legality of abortions, 66/120 (55%) were illegal while 54/120 (45%) were legal abortions. Out of 70 induced abortions 66/70 (94.28%) were illegally induced while 4/70 (5.71%) were induced on legal grounds.

Conclusions: High number of Induced abortions due to Ill-legality status is demanding for increased attention of policy makers and planners regarding abortion laws.