Fertility after Induced Abortion: a Register-Based Study in Finland in 2000-2008

Abstract

The article explores the determinants of fertility behaviour after an induced abortion in Finland. The purpose of the study is to determine whether there are socio-demographic factors associated with the risk of having repeat abortions. The data were collected from the Registry of Induced Abortions and from the Medical Birth Registry in 2000–2008. The study population consists of the 63,763 women who had their first induced abortion during that time. Our results indicate that there are significant differences in fertility patterns of women with different socio-demographic backgrounds. The likelihood of repeat abortion was high for teenagers, parous, low socio-economic status (SES), urban and unmarried women. Delivery was the most likely for 20–34-year-olds, rural and childless women, and for women, who were living with their partner and were no longer students. New pregnancy was unlikely for at least 30-year-olds, parous and high SES groups. The results show that these socio-demographic patterns should be taken into account when developing post-abortion counselling.