Unintended Pregnancy And Induced Abortion In Mexico: Causes and Consequences

Examining the hidden and stigmatized practice of induced abortion is very hard to do. Throughout the Mexican Republic's 31 states, induced abortion is highly restricted. (The exception is the capital, the Federal District, which decriminalized first-trimester abortions in 2007.) This report presents estimates of induced abortion for 2009, by the country's 32 entidades federativas (or federative entities) and by the woman's age. The report also examines what causes women to resort to abortion in the first place -- unintended pregnancy

Trends in the timing of first marriage among men and women in the developing world [Arabic]

The timing of first union merits investigation not only because of the close temporal link between marriage and the onset of childbearing, but also because the age when men and women marry has implications for the organization of family life and for gender relations within society. This paper begins by reviewing the contributions of various social science disciplines to an understanding of the timing of marriage. Using current status data from 73 countries provided by the United Nations Population Division and retrospective data from 52 Demographic and Health Surveys conducted between 1990 and 2001, we then examine recent trends in the timing of first marriage or union for men and women in the developing world. With the exception of South America for both sexes and South and Southeast Asia for men, substantial declines have occurred in the proportion of young men and women who are married. Given the differentials in the timing of marriage by educational attainment and residence, we assess whether the decline in the proportion of young people who are married is related to increases in schooling and urbanization. Expansion of schooling for women has had some impact, but a considerable portion of the reduction in early marriage is not explained by changes in levels of education. We consider other factors that might account for the increase in age at marriage. Finally, we review what is known about the consequences of changing age at marriage with a particular focus on risk of HIV infection

Demystifying Data: A Guide to Using Evidence to Improve Young People's Sexual Health and Rights

The sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people are a pressing concern everywhere in the world. The world's 1.2 billion adolescents aged 10 -- 19 account for 18% of the global population.1 While their situation differs across regions and countries, adolescents share basic rights pertaining to sexual and reproductive health, such as equality, privacy, dignity, freedom from harm and freedom to choose whether or not to marry. They also need information and services to support healthy decisionmaking related to sexuality and reproduction.Adolescents' needs vary depending on many factors: their stage of physical and emotional development, whether they are married, whether they have become mothers or fathers, whether they are sexually active, and what type of sexual activity and relationship they are engaged in. For example, an estimated one in four women aged 15 -- 19 in the developing world is married or in union -- that is, living with a partner. Marriage that takes place during adolescence is often not decided by the adolescents themselves, and young women in particular may lack power relative to older partners. Moreover, unmarried adolescents who engage in sexual activity typically face societal disapproval, which can prevent them from receiving the information and services that they need to protect their healt

Uterine necrosis following B Lynch suture: a rare complication

The B-Lynch uterine suture brace is a relatively new technique used for treatment of postpartum haemorrhage. These uterine compression sutures have achieved hemostasis while preserving fertility in many women and thus their efficacy and safety have been time tested. Very few complications have been reported following B Lynch suture. These include Asherman’s syndrome, hematometra, pyometra, localized areas of uterine necrosis and full-thickness defects in the lower uterine segment or uterine fundus and erosion of uterine wall. Herewith, reporting a case of 23-year-old woman who underwent cesarean section for breech presentation. She had atonic PPH for which uterine artery ligation was done along with B-lynch suture. She developed uterine necrosis for which hysterectomy was done. Microsections showed that endometrial cavity was filled with gangrenous slough extending to variable extent in myometrium and cervix

Por el aborto legal en América Latina y el Caribe

Artículo de opinión que enfatiza el impacto de las leyes de aborto restrictivas en la salud y las vidas de las mujeres de América Latina y el Caribe, destacando algunos de los datos actuales sobre la incidencia, legalidad y seguridad del aborto en la región.http://gu.tt/Y4Pgy

Trends in the timing of first marriage among men and women in the developing world

The timing of first union merits investigation not only because of the close temporal link between marriage and the onset of childbearing, but also because the age when men and women marry has implications for the organization of family life and for gender relations within society. This paper begins by reviewing the contributions of various social science disciplines to an understanding of the timing of marriage. Using current status data from 73 countries provided by the United Nations Population Division and retrospective data from 52 Demographic and Health Surveys conducted between 1990 and 2001, we then examine recent trends in the timing of first marriage or union for men and women in the developing world. With the exception of South America for both sexes and South and Southeast Asia for men, substantial declines have occurred in the proportion of young men and women who are married. Given the differentials in the timing of marriage by educational attainment and residence, we assess whether the decline in the proportion of young people who are married is related to increases in schooling and urbanization. Expansion of schooling for women has had some impact, but a considerable portion of the reduction in early marriage is not explained by changes in levels of education. We consider other factors that might account for the increase in age at marriage. Finally, we review what is known about the consequences of changing age at marriage with a particular focus on risk of HIV infection

The Sexual, Marital and Fathering Behavior of Men in Sub-Saharan Africa

Understanding men's sexual and reproductive preferences and behaviors as well as their roles as partners in sexual relationships, marriage and family building is essential to address their sexual and reproductive health information and service needs. Identifying and meeting these needs are crucial because the more informed and more effective men are in living safer and more fulfilling reproductive lives, the better it will be for not only them, but for their families as well. The sexual and reproductive behaviors and health needs of men aged 15-54 in 22 Sub-Saharan countries were examined using nationally representative data collected in these countries by the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) between 1994 and 2001.The study found that the years between first sex and marriage represent a period of enhanced risk of STIs and premarital pregnancy for many sexually active unmarried men in Sub-Saharan African (SSA). Men in SSA want and have large families. At age 40-54, men have had seven or more children in 14 of 21 countries with data, and about six children in the remaining six countries. However, desired family size is declining: Men 15-24 want fewer children than do men in their early 50s-around 4-6 children compared with 6-10 and more, respectively. Although substantial proportions of sexually active men have more than one partner, the majority are not using condoms to prevent HIV/AIDS and other STI. Men in SSA need targeted information to help them make informed choices in their sexual and reproductive behaviors. Men also need information to help them meet their responsibilities as husbands and fathers. Men, especially those who live in areas with high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and other STIs, need better access to condoms and health services for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of STIs. If these information and services are put within the reach of men, the gains for them will inevitably be gains for their partners and children