Correlates of Spontaneous and Induced Abortion in India: An Investigation Using a Nationwide Large Scale Survey Data

Barsharani Maharana, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)

Using data from a large-scale nationwide survey (District Level Household Survey-3, 2007-08), this paper investigates the scenario and associated factors of spontaneous and induced abortion in India, including some states with high rates of abortion. The abortion scenario has been shown through GIS. Bivariate and multivariate analyses are used to identify the determinants of abortion. The findings reveal that number of living sons, presence of RTIs, women’s age, message about prevention of sex selection, and contraceptive use are significant determinants of induced abortion. Women’s age at marriage, educational attainment, age at first birth, and death of children are strong determinants of spontaneous abortion. The paper suggests that health programs should address the early diagnosis and prompt treatment of cases that report to have RTI symptoms and should emphasize postpartum contraception.