Abortion as a Contraception Method among Older Women in India, NFHS-2019-21

Anjali Bansal, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)
Laxmi Kant Dwivedi, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)

This study examines the critical issue of older women in India (aged 30-49) using abortion as a substitute for contraception, despite the significant health risks associated with repeated abortions. The study used the calendar data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-21). Multivariable logistic analysis is used to find the associations between the future intention of contraception use by its pregnancy intentions in India. Results are reported at 95% CI. The analysis reveals that 53% of women aged 30-39 and 63% of women aged 40 and above do not plan to use contraception in the future, even after an abortion. Multivariable logistic regression shows that older women (aged 30-39 and 40+) are 1.72 and 2.45 times more likely, respectively, to not intend to use contraception. Women who no longer desire children are 4.15 times more likely to avoid contraception. There is a need to expand contraceptive access and affordability, especially for older women. In addition, education campaigns highlighting the dangers of repeated abortions and culturally sensitive family planning counselling are crucial for reducing reliance on abortion. Addressing these issues can promote safer reproductive health practices and improve outcomes for women in this often-overlooked demographic.

Keywords: Family Planning and Contraception

See extended abstract.