"Quasi-Legal" Abortion Services in a Sub-Saharan Setting: Users' Profile and Motivations

Abstract

This study provides a profile of 394 urban women seeking an abortion at Maputo Central Hospital in Mozambique during May-July 1993. Interviews were conducted at admission. Mozambique was selected as a study site because of its quasi-legal abortion services. Mozambique has the most liberal de facto systems of abortion on request in sub-Saharan Africa. Findings indicate that 59% of abortion patients were single; 42% were in a union; and 3% were widowed separated or divorced. 23% were White or mixed race while only 9% of Maputos population were White or mixed race. 40% had no previous births. Womens ages ranged from 14 to 42 years. 13% were teenagers 62% were in their 20s and 25% were aged over 30 years. Studies of clandestine abortion indicate a higher proportion of adolescent abortion patients and a smaller proportion in a union. An estimated 10% of abortion patients were Muslims compared to only 3% in the city population. 55% were natives of Maputo. 22% were born in other large cities. 62% of abortion patients lived in Urban District 1 or center-city while only 18% of city population lived in this district. 36% were students and 35% worked outside the home. 88% were white collar workers. 1 in 5 married women discussed the abortion decision with a partner. Material difficulties were the most commonly given reason for the abortion (41% of women) followed by desire for education (30% of women). Other reasons were child spacing (18%) and a stop to childbearing (15%). 6% cited poor health and 4% cited marital problems. Socioeconomic factors appear to be important in abortion choices.