Abortions in Pakistan: Estimates from a National Study

Zeba A. Sathar, Population Council
Susheela D. Singh, The Alan Guttmacher Institute
Fariyal F. Fikree, Population Council

This paper will present estimates, on the level of induced abortion in Pakistan using an indirect estimation methodology developed in the early nineties by one of the authors and that has since been applied in several countries. This approach allows us to generate estimates for the country as a whole, and for the four provinces, of the number of women treated in health facilities for induced abortion complications, the total number of abortions, the annual abortion rate, and the abortion ratio. The overall goal of the study is to help policy makers, program planners, and health care professionals to develop policy programs oriented to improve the sexual and reproductive health of Pakistani women by reducing unintended pregnancy rates and lessening the risks associated with illegal abortion.