Increasing Number of Women Independently Attempting to End Pregnancies

A new study has recently revealed that an increasing number of women have attempted to end their pregnancies independently. They have chosen various methods that can end their pregnancies such as drinking alcohol, taking herbs or self-harm by hitting in the belly. 

This study was recently published in the journal JAMA Network Open. In this study, researchers surveyed 7000 women six months before the Supreme Court decision and 7,100 after a year. These women were in reproductive age. They were asked if they had ever taken or done something on their own to end their pregnancy. They were also asked follow-up questions about their experiences.  

The women reported that they used various methods such as medications, alcohol, drugs, and potentially harmful physical methods like self-harm by lifting heavy objects and hitting in the belly.  

Some women said that they experienced some complications such as bleeding and pain after attempting a certain method and had to go to the doctor for treatment. Others chose to have an abortion at a clinic. Some pregnancies ended either from the attempted method or from a miscarriage later on. On the other hand, others decided to continue their pregnancies when the method didn’t work for them. 

Researchers found that the majority of women cited privacy, cost concerns, and self-pregnancy as reasons for handling their own abortions. It indicates a preference for self-pregnancy over getting medical help. 

In this study, researchers found that the number of women who tried to end their pregnancies was increased from 2.4% to 3.3% in the U.S. before and after Roe v. Wade’s overturns.  

Researchers of this study said that this is a small increase. But the data suggests that it can affect hundreds of thousands of women. 

Lauren Ralph, an epidemiologist, said that there are certain limitations to this study. She said that respondents may be underreporting because the questions they asked were sensitive in nature. She also noted that some women may have interpreted the question differently after the Dobbs decision as some women still think medication abortion through telehealth is outside the formal healthcare system.  

One of the reputed doctors, Dr Grace Ferguson said that many women are taking matters into their own hands, and it can be dangerous for their health.  

The results of this study clearly show that the number of women who attempt to end their pregnancies independently is increasing. It can increase the risk of many health complications. Hence experts should make some new strategies to educate these women about the risks.  

Reference Link:  

Lauren Ralph et al, Self-Managed Abortion Attempts Before vs After Changes in Federal Abortion Protections in the US, JAMA Network Open (2024).  

DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.24310