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Contraceptive Choice as Risk Reduction? The importance of local violence for uptake of female sterilization in Colombia

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posted on 2020-12-09, 14:58 authored by Signe SvallforsSigne Svallfors
Altered childbearing behavior has been observed in many settings of violent conflict, but few studies have addressed fertility control. This is the first study to empirically investigate the relationship between local conflict and uptake of sterilization, the only contraceptive method that reflects a definitive stop to childbearing. It is based on the case of Colombia, a middle-income, low-fertility and long-term conflict setting. The study built on a mixed methods approach, combining survey and conflict data with expert interviews. Fixed-effects regressions show that local conflict was generally associated with an increased sterilization uptake. The interviews suggest that women may opt for sterilization when reversible methods become less accessible because of ongoing violence. Since sterilization is a relatively available contraceptive option in Colombia, it may represent a risk-aversion strategy for women who have completed their fertility goals. These findings can enlighten research and programs on fertility and family planning in humanitarian contexts.

Funding

the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, grant number SO2018-0042

History

ISSN

2002-617X

Original title

Contraceptive Choice as Risk Reduction? The importance of local violence for uptake of female sterilization in Colombia

Original language

  • English

Publication date

2020-12-09

Affiliation (institution of first SU-affiliated author)

  • 310 Sociologiska institutionen | Department of Sociology