In 1978, deaths from abortion accounted for an estimated 26% of all pregnancy-related deaths in Bangladesh. To reduce abortion mortality, the government trained health workers to perform menstrual regulation (MR) up to ten weeks gestation. Previous studies show that nearly one-third of women seeking an MR are rejected. Women who were refused MRs often seek abortions from indigenous practitioners who use risky procedures. In 1996/97, investigators from the Bangladeshi Institute of Research for Promotion of Essential & Reproductive Health and Technologies and the C.D.C. conducted a nationwide survey of attitudes toward performing MR in 4751 health facilities. Of 4515 respondents, 2528 (56%) performed MRs. Overall, respondents cited an average of 10 out of 16 possible reasons for refusing MR (such as prior history of a C-section and lack of husband's consent). Four medical explanations were ranked among the top 5 reasons for not doing an MR. This paper analyzes these and other barriers and examines their association with such variables as provider and facility characteristics, and service utilization.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the provision of obstetric fertility control services in Bangladesh 2. Identify the barriers to Bangladeshi women's access to these services
Keywords: Reproductive Health, Barriers to Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Bangladeshi Institute of Research for Promotion of Essential & Reproductive Health and Technologies (BIRPERHT)
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.