Unintended Pregnancy and Domestic Violence Among Pregnant Women in Regions of India: Evidence from Large Scale Survey Data

Abstract

The study examined effect of domestic violence (DV) on pregnancy intendedness among pregnant women across geographical regions in India. Using fourth wave of National Family Health Survey data, the study is confined to experience of physical/sexual violence within 12 months preceding the survey. Close to 6% of the women were found pregnant with high in the central region. Among them, 12% were having unintended pregnancy (UIP), with highest in the central (17.4%) region. UIP found 7% higher among victims of DV compared to those who did not face it (11%). Significantly, regional variation is much persisting as the regions having high prevalence of DV are also at an increased risk of UIP which hampers the notion of dignified reproductive rights. This needs region-specific policy and programme. Study push for interventions on minimising DV and reducing burden of high UIP in regions of India.