Factors Influencing the Concept of Abortion Among University Students in the Doctor of Medicine Program

Abstract

Currently, there is an ideological, political, and social debate in our country in which feminist organizations, non-governmental organizations, international agencies, and some universities are advocating for the decriminalization of abortion. Therefore, this research was conducted with the objective of understanding the opinions of students enrolled in the Doctor of Medicine program at the Catholic University of El Salvador regarding abortion and the factors that influence those opinions.

A total of 318 students enrolled at the end of the first academic term of 2017 were surveyed. Of these, 66% were women and 34% were men, while 90% were younger than 21 years old. Additionally, 84.4% of the students identified themselves as Christians, and 90.4% stated that life begins at the moment of fertilization. However, 56% indicated that they would support a law permitting abortion when the mother's life is at risk. Likewise, 79% agreed with supporting legislation that protects the life of the unborn, and 64.5% would support such protection even when the newborn presents congenital defects incompatible with life.