Women’s age and abortion laws: global trends
https://doi.org/10.33667/2078-5631-2025-36-57-60
Abstract
The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of the age of women in a country on the access to legal termination of pregnancy.
Materials and research methods. This is a cross-sectional study to analyze the correlation between the median age of women and its effects on the legality of abortion. The median age of women was obtained from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. The countries are classified by the legality of their abortion according to the The Center of Reproductive Rights. The maternal mortality rate (MMR) is taken from the Gender Data Portal of the World Bank Group.
Results. This study revealed that countries with abortion given «On Request» are the oldest; with an average median age of women of 37.66 years old (yo). This correlates with the lowest MMR at 47.75 per 100,000 live births. Countries with induced abortion provided «To Preserve Health» have an average age of 28.26 yo. Their average MMR is the highest at 230.44 per 100 000 live births. The countries which are classified under «Prohibited Altogether» have an average median age of 28.49 yo. Their average MMR is 172.94 per 100 000 live births.
Conclusion. Countries with an older population have greater access to abortion. This directly correlates with a lower MMR. Whereas younger countries have less access to abortion while having higher MMR.
About the Authors
O. B. J. Poh
Kursk State Medical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Poh O. B. J. PhD Med, associate professor at Dept of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Institute of Continuous Education
Kursk
A. B. Khuraseva
Kursk State Medical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Khuraseva Anna B., DM Sci (habil.), professor at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Institute of Continuous Education
Kursk
C. C. Chai
Kursk State Medical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Chai C. C., 6th year student at International Medical Institute
Kursk
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Review
For citations:
Poh O., Khuraseva A.B., Chai C.C. Women’s age and abortion laws: global trends. Medical alphabet. 2025;(36):57-60. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.33667/2078-5631-2025-36-57-60
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