Association between Parity and Abortion Complications: Evidence from a Recent Largescale Survey in India

Rinika Biswas, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)
Harihar Sahoo, International Institute For Population Sciences

Unsafe abortion remains a neglected women's health issue in India, even after the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1971 was passed, over 50 years. The consequences of abortion can vary from mild and manageable to severe, potentially leading to morbidity or death. While abortion is associated with pregnancy-related complications and increased maternal mortality rates in India, there is limited study on how parity affects post-abortion complications. This study aims to explore regional patterns of abortion complications in relation to parity and the prevalence of abortion complications across different parities using data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5). Bivariate analysis and binary logistic regression models were employed to examine their association. The findings reveal an inverse relationship between parity and abortion complications: higher parity is associated with a lower risk of complications. Second and third-trimester abortions are linked to higher complication rates, especially for women with parities of one or two. Notably, complication rates are highest among women with zero parity in the West and North-East, while the South exhibits lower rates. Enhancing public healthcare services and ensuring skilled medical professionals carry out abortions could help reduce complication risks.

Keywords: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

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