Abstract
ObjectivesWomen aged 40-44 years in 2005 ought to have been subjected to much more influence on attitudes and knowledge on contraceptive methods during their fertile period than women who were in the same age span in 1975 when the abortion laws were introduced.MaterialFrom official statistics, the rates of induced abortion and birth rates in women aged 40-44 years were collected for Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland for each five-year during the period 1975-2005.ResultsWith the exception of Sweden all other studied Scandinavian countries have lowered their abortion rates since 1975 (p < 0.001) and reduced the proportion of induced abortions in relation to birth rate (p < 0.001). In 2005 these countries also had lower rates of induced abortion than Sweden in the age group 40-44 years (p < 0.001).ConclusionThere is a significant change in rates of induced abortion in women aged 40-44 years in Finland, Norway, Denmark, and at status quo in Sweden. 40-44 years in Finland, Norway, Denmark, and at status quo in Sweden. This indicates that family planning programs works well in the Nordic countries. The differences found may be assumed to possible diverging focus on attitudes or ethical considerations.
Highlights
Induced abortion is a procedure made lawful by several societies, especially in the western world [1]
The female age group 40-44 was followed for each five year period from 1975 to 2005 in order to determine the rate of induced abortions and birth rate per 1000 women in the same age group
With the exception of Sweden, the Scandinavian countries had reduced the proportion of induced abortions in relation to birth rate (p < 0.001) and in 2005 they all had significantly lower proportions as compared to Sweden (p < 0.001)
Summary
Induced abortion is a procedure made lawful by several societies, especially in the western world [1] Still it is prohibited for cultural or religious reasons in many parts of the world, frequently leading to terrible consequences for women involved, as they are forced to consult facilities not lead by professionals, often leading to severe complications or even maternal death [2,3,4]. Most studies on induced abortion have ended in an assumption that increased support automatically leads to visible results on abortion rates [9,10]. Lack of such support is an explanatory factor for high rates of abortion in developing countries [11]. For that reason one should expect rates of induced abortions to fall, as more support was added over time in family planning programs
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
