Abstract : In Cuba, abortion at up to 12 weeks gestation is freely available on request in hospitals. Up to 45 days of amenorrhea, it is performed by means of manual vacuum aspiration with Karman syringe, without anesthesia. However, women who request an abortion at more than 12 weeks gestation must first have their case reviewed by a special medical committee of the hospital if the reason is medical and by a social worker if the reason is socioeconomic. This cross-sectional study examined the factors that influence abortion practice in a municipality of Havana, Cuba. It also looked at the relationship between abortion practice and contraceptive use and the important socioeconomic and psychological factors influencing abortion. A total of 1965 women 13-34 years old were included in the study. The abortion rate was highest among women under 20 years old, women with low levels of education, and unemployed women. Moreover, abortion is highest among women in consensual unions, those not living with their partners, and those living in female-headed households. Among households with the lowest and highest per capita income, abortion rates was low. Although Cuban women have a very high level of awareness of contraceptive methods, they have only a basic knowledge of how the methods actually work or are used. Major changes in family planning services in Cuba are recommended to reduce the abortion rate.
Web site : http://www.who.int/reproductive-health/publications/Abstracts/abortion.html