Unwanted Pregnancy and Factors Associated with it Among Nigerian Women

Akinrinola Bankole, The Alan Guttmacher Institute
Gilda Sedgh, The Alan Guttmacher Institute
Boniface Oye-Adeniran, Campaign Against Unwanted Pregnancy (CAUP)
Isaac Adewole, Campaign Against Unwanted Pregnancy (CAUP)
Rubina Hussain, The Alan Guttmacher Institute

Data indicate that the incidence of unwanted pregnancy, which is associated with illegal abortion, is on the rise in Nigeria. The purpose of this study is to examine the incidence of unwanted pregnancy, the factors associated with it, and the incidence of abortion and barriers to contraceptive use among women with unwanted pregnancies. We also identify women at risk of an unwanted pregnancy, their characteristics and barriers they face to effective family planning. The data for this study come from a community-based survey of 3,020 women aged 15-49, conducted in eight states in Nigeria in 2002-2003. Preliminary analyzes reveal that 28% of the respondents have experienced an unwanted pregnancy. The incidence varied by characteristics including age, region of residence, and religious affiliation. More than half of the women who reported an unwanted pregnancy sought an abortion. 32% of respondents were at risk of an unwanted pregnancy at the time of survey.