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.
Highlights
10,000 induced abortions are performed in Finland every year, which means that about nine induced abortions are performed per 1,000 women of the fertile age annually
30 percent of the women conceived again after the first induced abortion4, with 18 percent ending in a delivery and 12 percent in a repeat abortion
Socio-demographic characteristics predict differences in fertility behaviour after the first induced abortion
Summary
10,000 induced abortions are performed in Finland every year, which means that about nine induced abortions are performed per 1,000 women of the fertile age annually. The aim of the study is to investigate the determinants of different fertility patterns after an induced abortion. Parity and young age were risk factors for repeat abortion, and the age of 25–29 years increased the likelihood of childbirth. Niinimäki et al (2009) found that low socio-economic status (SES), being unmarried and cohabiting increased the risk of repeat abortion. The theoretical background of the study was based on life course theory and life history theory. These theoretical approaches were linked to the actual fertility and abortion behaviour through the proximate determinants framework of John Bongaarts and Robert G. The life course is shaped by historical events and geographic locations people live in. Socio-historical influences depend on the network of other people an individual is living with. (Elder et al 2003, 10–13)
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