In this article, we will be taking a look at the 5 countries with highest abortion rates. If you wish to learn about more, head straight to the 25 Countries With Highest Abortion Rates.
5. Cape Verde
Abortion Rate Per 1000 Women: 49
Cape Verde stands fifth among the countries with highest abortion rates, with legal abortion available upon request before 12 weeks gestation since 1986. In 2015-2019, there were 14,600 unintended pregnancies and 7,100 abortions. The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Cape Verde is 0.8%, with higher rates among specific groups. While some reproductive health services are provided free, others may require a fee, posing challenges for certain populations.
4. Cuba
Abortion Rate Per 1000 Women: 55
Cuba has one of the highest abortion rates globally, with 42.19% of known pregnancies ending in abortion. In 2021, there were 191,000 unintended pregnancies resulting in 147,000 abortions. Abortion is a popular fertility regulation method alongside contraceptives like IUDs and oral contraceptives in Cuba, facilitated by the availability of safe abortions throughout the country.
3. Guinea Bissau
Abortion Rate Per 1000 Women: 59
Guinea-Bissau faces a high abortion rate, with 26,600 abortions in 2019 out of 45,200 unintended pregnancies. The country has an abortion rate of 59.00 per 1000 women, with unsafe abortions prevalent, especially in developing countries. Investing $16.40 per capita annually in reproductive healthcare could fulfill essential needs. Also, each extra dollar spent on contraceptives would save $3.11 in maternal, newborn, and abortion care costs.
2. Madagascar
Abortion Rate Per 1000 Women: 60
In Madagascar, despite abortion being illegal, many women resort to unsafe procedures due to limited access to family planning services and low awareness about modern contraceptives. Approximately 3 women die daily due to clandestine unsafe abortions. Invasive methods like manual or sharp curettage are commonly used, leading to infections in 29.1% of cases. The abortion rate is estimated at 60 per 1,000 person-years at risk, with 24% of women having undergone an abortion. Limited access to family planning services and low knowledge about contraceptives contribute to the high incidence of abortion.
1. Vietnam
Abortion Rate Per 1000 Women: 64
Vietnam stands first among the countries with high abortion rates, estimated at 1.2-1.6 million annually, far surpassing the reported 300,000 cases. It holds the world’s second-highest abortion rate, influenced by factors like inadequate sex education, limited contraception access, and cultural son preferences. Despite being illegal, gender-selective abortions are common, contributing to significant sex imbalances at birth.
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