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International Journal of Public Health

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01-06-2013 | Original Article

Are sex-selective abortions a characteristic of every poor region? Evidence from Brazil

Authors: Alexandre Dias Porto Chiavegatto Filho, Ichiro Kawachi

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 3/2013

Abstract

Objectives

Introduction of ultrasound equipment has been associated with higher sex ratio (number of male live births divided by female live births) for some developing countries. So far, studies have solely focused in regions with a cultural preference for males, which may introduce misleading conclusions about the association between poverty and sex-selective abortions.

Methods

We analyzed poor Brazilian municipalities that either (a) did not have ultrasound equipment, or (b) had the introduction of ultrasound equipment for the first time. Propensity score matching was performed, resulting in 155 pairs of comparable municipalities.

Results

We found a sex ratio of 1.039 for municipalities that had the introduction of ultrasound equipment and of 1.047 for those that did not. The difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. The use of the propensity score matching approach was successful in reducing bias.

Conclusions

Concerns about an association between local poverty and sex-selective abortions should not be a barrier against access to maternal technology. While sex-selective abortions are an important concern for some developing countries, they are not a specific characteristic of poverty.

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Title: Are sex-selective abortions a characteristic of every poor region? Evidence from Brazil
Authors: Alexandre Dias Porto Chiavegatto Filho
Ichiro Kawachi
Publication date: 01-06-2013
Publisher: SP Birkhäuser Verlag Basel
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 3/2013
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-012-0421-6

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Are sex-selective abortions a characteristic of every poor region? Evidence from Brazil

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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