Year: 2010
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To analyze the opinion of judges and prosecutors concerning Brazilian abortion law and situations in which the abortion should be allowed. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed with 1,493 judges and 2,614 prosecutors in Brazil between 2005 and 2006. Participants completed a structured questionnaire approaching sociodemographic characteristics, opinions about abortion law, and circumstances in which abortion is considered lawful. Bivariate and multivariate analyses of data were carried out through Poisson regression. RESULTS: The majority of participants (78%) found that the circumstances in which abortion is considered lawful should be broadened, or even that abortion should not be criminalized. The highest rates of pro-abortion opinions resulted from: risk to the life of the mother (84%), anencephaly (83%), severe congenital malformation of fetus (82%), and pregnancy resulting from rape (82%). Variables related to religion were strongly associated to the opinion of participants. CONCLUSIONS: There is a trend in considering the need of changing the current abortion law, in the sense of widening the circumstances in which abortion is considered lawful, or even toward decriminalizing abortion, regardless of the circumstances in which it takes place.
Source: Revista de Saúde Pública
Authors: Graciana Alves Duarte, Maria José Duarte Osis, Anibal Faúndes, Maria Helena de Sousa
Language: Portuguese
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,200
OpenAlex ID: W1487672841