Title: A study of repeaters of abortions.

POPLINE Document Number: 751550

Author(s):

Pakter J
Nelson F

Source citation:

[Unpublished] 1975 Nov 19. Paper presented at the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Public Health Association, Chicago, Illinois, November 19, 1975. 48 p.

Abstract:

Since the inception of legalized abortions in New York City in July 1970, there has occurred a definite increase in the number and percentage of New York residents who have had repeat abortions. Abortions increased from 69,711 to 85,590 from 1972 and 1974. The number of women having repeat abortions for this same period increased from 13.6% to 21.5%. The increase in the number of "repeaters" exceeded the increase in the number of women undergoing a 1st abortion. In order to further assess this trend, certificates were reviewed for the period 1972 to 1974 and information collected on the characteristics of women having repeat abortions as well as those having 1st abortions. All ages and ethnic groups were involved in the increases for "repeaters." The nonwhite group accounted for over 1/2 the increase. The rate of increase in the number of abortions was highest for the Puerto Rican women, followed by the nonwhite women, and lowest for the white women. 21% of th "repeaters" were "multiple repeaters." "Repeaters" were more likely to be somewhat older and to have had a previous birth or births compared to those having a 1st abortion. "Repeaters" also tended to have earlier terminations and this remained true for each age and ethnic group. 50% of the "repeaters" used the free standing clinics and 25% used municipal facilities. Over 60% of those having a 1st abortion used these same facilities. All facilities must accept responsibility for providing family planning counseling services to all women seeking abortions and particularly to "repeaters."

Keywords:

New York
Abortion
United States
Age Factors
Ethnic Groups
Marital Status
Family Planning Acceptor Characteristics
North America
Americas
Developed Countries
Fertility Control, Postconception
Family Planning
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Cultural Background
Nuptiality
Family Planning Acceptors
Family Planning Programs