Religious Beliefs and Abortion Attempts among Women with Recent Experiences of Unwanted Pregnancy in Osun State, Nigeria

Tosin Oni, Obafemi Awolowo University
Stephen Adebowale, University of Ibadan
Akanni I. Akinyemi, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
Akinrinola Bankole, Guttmacher Institute

Religion is commonly referenced for denying women access to abortion. This study examined the influence of religious beliefs on abortion attempts among women with recent experiences of unintended pregnancy in Osun State. A cross-sectional design was used to carry out a community-based survey. Results showed that 53.5% of women with anti-abortion religious beliefs and 59.6% of those with pro-abortion religious beliefs attempted abortion. Neither religious beliefs nor affiliations significantly influenced women's abortion attempts. Age, marital status, spousal or partner opinion, and parity were the significant factors influencing abortion attempts. Using religion to deny women access to reproductive health services should be discontinued.