Maternal Mortality Due to Abortion in Brazil: A Temporal, Regional, and Sociodemographic Analysis over the Last Three Decades.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Maternal mortality due to abortion in Brazil has shown a significant decline of 47.37% between 1996 and 2022. This study aims to analyze temporal trends in maternal mortality due to abortion across regions and sociodemographic groups, highlighting disparities and their implications for public health.

METHODS

Trends were assessed using Prais-Winsten regression models to estimate the annual percentage change (APC). Data were stratified by region and sociodemographic characteristics to identify vulnerable groups.

RESULTS

The findings reveal notable regional disparities, with some regions experiencing more pronounced declines than others. Vulnerable sociodemographic groups, including women with lower levels of education and younger age groups, exhibited persistently higher mortality rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a significant overall reduction in maternal mortality due to abortion, disparities remain among regions and sociodemographic groups. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health policies aimed at reducing inequalities and addressing the needs of the most affected populations.