Factors related to the voluntary interruption of pregnancy in Spain

Abstract

Introduction: The voluntary interruption of pregnancy (VIP) is a complex process, influenced both by health and psychosocial factors, which in turn affect the health and well-being of the women. The objective of this study is to determine the factors related to the voluntary interruption of pregnancy in Spain, in women with more than one interruption, according to their origin. Methods: A cross-sectional study of the VIP episodes carried out at the request of the women themselves in Spain during 2018. The factors related to repeat VIPs are described according to the origin of the women, estimating the crude and adjusted prevalence odds ratio (OR). Results: The highest rates of VIP occurred in women aged 20 to 24 years. The probability of a second VIP, both in Spanish women and those of foreign origin, increased with age, with the size of the population (> 50,000 inhabitants), and with dependent children. Conclusions: All women should have the possibility of planning their reproductive life, for which they have the right to have access to adequate information, to effective contraceptive methods, and to be able to interrupt an unplanned pregnancy with all the guarantees of quality, confidentiality and safety.