Resumen

DONOSO S, Enrique  y  VERA P-G, Claudio. El aborto en Chile: aspectos epidemiológicos, históricos y legales. Rev. chil. obstet. ginecol. [online]. 2016, vol.81, n.6, pp.534-545. ISSN 0717-7526.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0717-75262016000600014.

Background: In Chile abortion is illegal in any circumstance. Objectives: To describe epidemiological evolution of abortion in Chile, its relationship with the introduction of contraceptive methods (CM) and historical changes on its legal status. In addition, we review methodological issues of estimates of illegal abortion in Chile. Results: Maternal mortality rate to abortion have been reduced drastically in Chile, from one of the highest in Latin America at the beginning of the XX century to one of the lowest rates currently. The important reduction observed after the introduction of CM reflects cultural changes as well as economical and sanitary progress of the country. Legal status change from legal to illegal was not related to an increase in maternal mortality rate due to abortion that maintains a sustained reduction. Magnitude of illegal abortion in Chile is unknown; methodologies used for estimation may largely overestimate prevalence if conditionings factors are not taken into account. Conclusion: Chile has managed to drastically reduce maternal mortality due to abortion without recourse to legalization or decriminalization, respecting the human embryo from conception. A proper methodology is required to monitoring prevalence and causes of illegal abortion in order to focusing preventive interventions in the vulnerable population.

Palabras clave : Abortion; maternal mortality; contraception; family planning; Chile.

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