Hidden realities: What women do when they want to terminate an unwanted pregnancy in Bolivia

OBJECTIVE: To explore women's experience of unwanted pregnancy and induced abortion in Bolivia, where nearly all induced abortions are carried out in clandestine, unregulated, and unsafe conditions. METHODS: Qualitative and quantitative research methods, including focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and a structured survey of women of reproductive age, were used to explore the experience of unwanted pregnancy and induced abortion in poor urban areas of 5 Bolivian cities. RESULTS: Of the 1175 sexually experienced women surveyed, 13% reported having had an induced abortion. The methods they tried included surgical abortion, taking misoprostol, drinking herbal and chemical preparations, and inflicting physical trauma on themselves. Many women made multiple attempts before successfully terminating a pregnancy. Lack of knowledge and confusion about how to use misoprostol may have contributed to the complications that resulted in seeking postabortion care. CONCLUSION: Increased access to accurate information and counseling about abortion options are paramount if women are to make informed decisions and minimize health risks.

Aborto inducido y embarazo no planeado en Guatemala

Aunque la legislación guatemalteca permite el aborto inducido solamente para salvar la vida de la mujer, con frecuencia muchas mujeres obtienen abortos, en condiciones de riesgo, y en respuesta a un embarazo no planeado. Estudios recientes indican que el aborto inseguro es un factor clave que contribuye a la morbilidad y mortalidad materna en el país; sin embargo, no existen datos a nivel nacional sobre la incidencia del aborto.

Minors’ Rights as Parents

Many states require parental involvement in a minor’s decision to terminate a pregnancy. In sharp contrast, states overwhelmingly consider minors who are parents to be capable of making critical decisions affecting the health and welfare of their children without their own parents’ knowledge or consent. Nearly every state permits minor parents to place a child for adoption, although some require an adult to be involved in the process in some capacity. Moreover, most states authorize minor parents to make health decisions for their children, and some allow minor parents to authorize surgery.