WOMENS OPINIONS ON ABORTION LEGALIZATION IN A COUNTY IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL

Introduction Induced abortion is the main cause of maternal death in B razil. Question of its legalization has been the subject of frequent d iscussion. Material and Method In order to assess the influence of the variables affecting the opinion of women of reproductive age, a popul ation-based systematic sample in the couty of Rio Grande (Southern Bra zil) was examined. Results Of a total of 1,456 interviews 30% endorsed the legalization, whatever the circunstances; this percentage was dir ectly associated with age, schooling, family income and previous induc ed abortion (p<0.01). Adjusted analysis using logistic regression show ed a significant effect of schooling and previous induced abortion on favourable opinion. Conclusion Schooling and previous induced abortion were the main determinants of women's favorable opinions regarding ab ortion legalization.