Citation

Svallfors S. Popul. Stud. (TFG) 2021; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Population Investigation Committee, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/00324728.2021.1953118

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Altered childbearing behaviour has been observed in many settings of violent conflict, but few studies have addressed fertility control. This is the first study to investigate empirically the relationship between local conflict and uptake of sterilization, the only contraceptive method that reflects a definitive stop to childbearing. The study is based on Colombia, a middle-income, low-fertility, and long-term conflict setting. It builds on a mixed methods approach, combining survey and conflict data with expert interviews. Fixed effects regressions show that local conflict is 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 programmes on fertility and family planning in humanitarian contexts.

Language: en

Keywords

risk; Colombia; armed conflict; contraception; family planning; reproductive health; sterilization