Changes in Mexicans' abortion and emergency contraception knowledge and attitudes: 2000-2006

Background. In 2000, little was known about Mexicans' experience, knowledge, and opinions of emergency contraception (EC) and abortion. We conducted a survey at that time to gauge public opinion on these controversial issues. We fielded a follow-up survey in 2006. Methods. The first survey was conducted in 2000, with an n=3000. In 2006 we repeated the survey, adapting the 2000 questionnaire, with 3,500 participants. We also estimated abortion prevalence in 2006 by using a “sealed envelope technique,” giving literate woman a one-page questionnaire asking whether or not she has ever had a pregnancy “not carried to term,” and whether she has ever induced abortion. Results. EC awareness doubled between 2000 and 2006 (from 31 to 59%) and use of EC (9%) was similar to that documented in other Latin American countries for 2006. The percentage of respondents who would recommend EC decreased from 77% in 2000 to 48% in 2006. In 2006, 69% (vs. 80% in 2000) believed that abortion should be legal when a woman's life is at risk and far fewer respondents supported legal abortion for economic reasons (17% in 2000 vs. 12% in 2006). Of the literate women who responded to the sealed-envelope questions (n=1,518), 14% had experienced a pregnancy that they did not carry to term and 4% stated they had ever induced an abortion. One percent of all literate women stated they had ever used misoprostol to interrupt a pregnancy. Conclusions. Mexicans' awareness of EC is increasing, but public opinion on EC and abortion remains conservative.