Research on repeated abortion: state of the field: 1973-1979

Multiple induced abortions: Danish experience

Experience with 50 first time aborters, 50 second time aborters, and 50 third time aborters residing in an urban area of Copenhagen suggests that women having a repeat abortion are more similar than dissimilar to women having a first induced abortion. There were no differences in socioeconomic status, educational level, or stated reasons for choosing abortion (usually socioeconomic and family considerations). Though similar to first and second time aborters in their life situations and greater contraceptive risk-taking, third timers seemed to become pregnant more readily. They were also less willing to be interviewed. Related studies and suggestions for postabortion counseling are discussed.

Repeat and first abortion seekers: single women in Brisbane, Australia

Comparison of single women who were initial and repeat abortion seekers revealed that the latter tended to perceive themselves as having a better knowledge of contraception, and to be more regular users of contraceptives. Repeat abortion seekers had more favourable attitudes towards abortion, and were more likely than first-time aborters to have initiated the abortion decision. Initial abortion seekers were somewhat more likely to rate their decision as most difficult. Both groups of single women mentioned similar reasons for wanting an abortion, although initial aborters mentioned somewhat more often the effect of the pregnancy upon career or studies, being unmarried, and disgracing their parents.

Repeat abortion-seeking behaviour in Queensland, Australia: knowledge and use of contraception and reasons for terminating the pregnancy

This paper examines the knowledge and use of contraception, and abortion decision-making of 212 Australian women who were seeking a repeat abortion in 1980. The analysis of questionnaires from a pregnancy and family planning clinic revealed that most women were seeking their second abortion. Single women were more likely to claim a slight knowledge of contraception and irregular use of contraceptives, and to attribute pregnancy to the failure of the pill. Women in de facto or cohabitation relationships were most likely to rate the abortion decision as difficult. Of the women who returned post-abortion questionnaires, almost all felt they had made the correct decision.

Preliminary findings of personality differences between nulliparas and repeated aborters along the dimensions of locus of control and impulsivity

The present study examined personality differences between 107 women undergoing subsequent abortions and 65 women seeking contraceptive counseling and education. The Rotter I/E and the Bipolar Psychological Inventory Impulsivity Scale were administered to women seeking abortions other than their first and to women never before pregnant who were seeking counseling. Both groups of women appear to perceive themselves low with respect to impulsivity. Repeated aborters evidence similar moderate external scores as women seeking contraceptive counseling on the Rotter I/E measure. The Rotter I/E scores obtained did not differ from those of other female populations. The results suggest that nulliparas and repeated aborters do not differ along the personality dimensions of locus of control or impulsivity.