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Reproductive mortality and its relation to different methods of birth control
Journal of Biosocial Science
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Family planning significantly reduced maternal deaths in Sweden from 1911-80. Legalized abortion and modern contraception, like oral contraceptives and IUDs, drastically lowered mortality rates.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Public Health Policy
- Demographic Studies
Background:
- Maternal mortality rates were high in Sweden during the early 20th century, exacerbated by illegal abortions in the 1930s.
- Fertility rates were low during this period, indicating a disconnect between reproductive behavior and outcomes.
- Significant shifts in reproductive health policies and practices occurred throughout the study period.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the decline in maternal mortality in Sweden between 1911 and 1980.
- To assess the relationship between the adoption of family planning methods and changes in maternal mortality.
- To compare mortality risks associated with different contraceptive methods.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of maternal mortality data in Sweden from 1911 to 1980.
- Examination of trends in fertility, abortion rates (legal and illegal), and contraceptive use.
- Calculation and comparison of crude and standardized reproductive mortality rates.
- Analysis of mortality specifically associated with oral contraceptive, IUD, and sterilization procedures.
Main Results:
- Maternal death rates decreased dramatically, from 18.5 per 1000 women in the 1930s (associated with high illegal abortion rates) to 1.7 per 100,000 women in 1965-70.
- Further reductions in mortality were observed by the late 1970s, particularly for younger women.
- Standardized reproductive mortality was 80% higher than crude rates, highlighting the impact of family planning.
- Mortality associated with oral contraceptive and IUD use in Sweden was lower than in England and the US during the 1960s and 1970s.
- Sterilization had a mortality rate of 6.2 per 100,000 procedures.
Conclusions:
- Modern family planning methods, including legalized abortion and widespread contraceptive use, were crucial in reducing maternal mortality in Sweden.
- The study underscores the effectiveness of public health interventions and access to reproductive healthcare in improving maternal outcomes.
- Sweden's experience demonstrates a successful model for lowering reproductive mortality through comprehensive family planning strategies.