Trends in the use of contraceptive methods and voluntary interruption of pregnancy in the Spanish population during 1997–2007

BackgroundThis study was designed to acquire information about the use of contraceptive methods in order to reduce the number of elective abortions.Study DesignSince 1997, representative samples of Spanish women of childbearing potential (15–49 years) have been surveyed by the Daphne Team every 2 years to gather data of contraceptive methods used.ResultsDuring the study period, 1997 to 2007, the overall use of contraceptive methods increased from 49.1% to 79.9%. The most commonly used method was the condom (an increase from 21% to 38.8%), followed by the pill (an increase from 14.2% to 20.3%). Female sterilization and IUDs decreased slightly and were used by less than 5% of women in 2007. The elective abortion rate increased from 5.52 to 11.49 per 1000 women.ConclusionsThe factors responsible for the increased rate of elective abortion need further investigation.