Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2025

Breakfast Habits among Schoolchildren in the City of Uruguaiana, Brazil
Published on: July 29, 2020
National Abortion Survey - Brazil, 2021
Debora Diniz1, Marcelo Medeiros2, Alberto Madeiro3
1Faculdade de Direito, Universidade de Brasília. Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte. 70904-970 Brasília DF Brasil. d.diniz@anis.org.br.
The National Abortion Survey 2021 found that while abortion rates are declining in Brazil, it remains a significant public health concern. Most abortions occur early in reproductive life, with higher rates among marginalized groups.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Reproductive Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Abortion is a critical public health issue in Brazil.
- Previous National Abortion Surveys (PNA 2010, PNA 2016) established baseline data.
- Understanding current trends is vital for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess current abortion trends in Brazil.
- To compare findings with previous survey waves (PNA 2010, PNA 2016).
- To identify demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with abortion.
Main Methods:
- Face-to-face structured interviews and self-administered questionnaires.
- Nationally representative sample of 2,000 literate women aged 18-39 in urban areas.
- Comparison of 2021 data with 2010 and 2016 survey results.
Main Results:
- Abortion prevalence declined to approximately 10% in 2021 (from 15% in 2010).
- Nearly 15% of women have had an abortion by age 40.
- Decreased need for hospitalization (43% in 2021 vs. 55% in 2010) and medication use (39% vs. 48%).
- 52% of first abortions occurred at age 19 or younger.
- Higher rates observed in women with lower education, Black and Indigenous women, and those in poorer regions.
Conclusions:
- Abortion is declining but remains a major public health issue in Brazil.
- Abortion typically occurs early in women's reproductive lives.
- Disparities persist, with higher rates among vulnerable populations.
Related Concept Videos
Infertility in Females
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of...
Cross-Sectional Research
Prevalence and Incidence
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health...
Survey Safety
Bias in Epidemiological Studies
Birth Control Methods

