Legal teenage abortions in a Swedish population in the 1970s
Larsson, J.; Svanberg, L.
Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica 62(1): 5-9
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-6349 PMID: 6858625 Document Number: 199513
The number of teenage abortions increased sharply in the early 1970s but gradually decreased from 1975, in absolute numbers as well as in relation to population figures. Teenage abortions now constitute 15% of the total number of abortions. However, the percentage of teenage pregnancies that are terminated by legal abortion is constantly increasing. As the preservation of childbearing function is of paramount importance in teenagers, a low complication rate is essential. Complications occurred in 7% of the cases studies, and the effects of complications of legal abortion on the later obstetric history are discussed. In 14% of the cases a second pregnancy was also terminated artificially. The repeat abortion rate is discussed, with special reference to the contraceptive method used.