Voluntary Interruption Of Pregnancy Research Articles

Erratum: "Determinants of the delay in the voluntary interruption of pregnancy

Erratum: "Determinants of the delay in the voluntary interruption of pregnancy

P02-175 - Voluntary interruption of pregnancy in unmarried girls

IntroductionThe voluntary interruption of pregnancy (or voluntary abortion), authorized in Tunisia since 1973, has always been a public health problem, given the number of women affected each year.The objective of this work was to develop, through a descriptive study, the profile of girls who aborted in the regional center of family planning (FP)of Sfax.Material and methodsThis is a descriptive study, conducted in the regional center of FP of Sfax, with 130 unmarried girls, who asked for abortion during the period from October 2008 to June 2009.ResultsIn our series, the girls had an average age of 25.4 years and the majority was between 20 and 29 years.Most of them were from urban origin (63.1% versus 36.9% rural origin).63.9% had a primary or a secondary education and 70.9% had low socioeconomic status.More than half of the studied girls (55.4%) lived with their families. The rest lived independently or in dormitories.The majority of surveyed girls’ parents (76.9%) lived together.The existence of major family problems was reported at 65.3% cases, essentially family violence (49.3%) and financial problems (45.6%).ConclusionIt appears from this work that the risk factors involved in most of the unwanted pregnancies with abortion are:.The young adulthood with a longer period of celibacy..The urban origin..The low education level..The low socioeconomics status..The lacks of family communication..The existence of major family problems, mostly violence and financial problems.

Geneza pravice do umetne prekinitve nosečnosti v nekdanji Jugoslaviji

This article focuses on the genesis of political thought regarding voluntary interruption of pregnancy (VIP) in the former Yugoslavia, with particular emphasis on the shaping of Slovenian legislation. The article demonstrates that the laws regulating VIP in the former Yugoslavia were liberalized gradually and cautiously. The constitutional principle of freedom of choice regarding childbirth, dating back to 1974, became the foundation for approving the Slovenian legislation in 1977, which is now considered some of the most liberal in this area. At the same time as the approval of this legislation, family-planning programs began coming into effect. Promoting the concept of family planning has been a great investment because these programs offered appropriate information on family-planning principles, the use of modern contraception, and means of detecting and treating sterility.

Geneza pravice do umetne prekinitve nosečnosti v nekdanji Jugoslaviji

This article focuses on the genesis of political thought regarding voluntary interruption of pregnancy (VIP) in the former Yugoslavia, with particular emphasis on the shaping of Slovenian legislation. The article demonstrates that the laws regulating VIP in the former Yugoslavia were liberalized gradually and cautiously. The constitutional principle of freedom of choice regarding childbirth, dating back to 1974, became the foundation for approving the Slovenian legislation in 1977, which is now considered some of the most liberal in this area. At the same time as the approval of this legislation, family-planning programs began coming into effect. Promoting the concept of family planning has been a great investment because these programs offered appropriate information on family-planning principles, the use of modern contraception, and means of detecting and treating sterility.

Ectopic Pregnancy within the Caesarean Scar: Extremely Rare Case Complicated by Incomplete Curettage Following Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy

Ectopic Pregnancy within the Caesarean Scar: Extremely Rare Case Complicated by Incomplete Curettage Following Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy

P06.15: Ectopic pregnancy in Cesarean scar: extremely rare case complicated by incomplete curettage following voluntary interruption of pregnancy

P06.15: Ectopic pregnancy in Cesarean scar: extremely rare case complicated by incomplete curettage following voluntary interruption of pregnancy

Prevención del aborto

ObjectivesTo assess various social factors related to therapeutic abortion (voluntary pregnancy interruption [VPI], since the term therapeutic was traditionally used for abortions due to medical indication) with the aim of obtaining information in the context of the couple, the family and society. Subjects and methodsData were gathered through a personal interview performed in 1,600 patients who underwent VPI. ResultsA total of 26.9% of the patients were visiting a gynecologist for the first time. Most of the patients (84.3%) had said nothing to their parents and 12.9% had said nothing to their partners either. Three-quarters (76%) agreed with the possibility of having a VPI and with its legality; 18.3% were against. ConclusionsReducing the number and rate of abortions requires a more open understanding of both sex and sexuality, promoting a dialogue within the family and at school, as well as the design of complete education programs.

Ethical considerations on the beginning of life

This article was prepared by a working group of paediatricians and gynaecologists belonging to the Association of Medicine and the Person as a proposal to be discussed at the Bioethical Commission of the National Federation of Italian Chambers of Physicians which took place in Ferrara on 24–25 October 2008. The document addressed four key aspects of the bioethics of the beginning of life: (1) a responsible sexuality under the aspect of prevention and contraception with particular attention to the crucial aspects of adolescence and emergency contraception; (2) medically assisted procreation starting from scientific studies and the evaluation of risks/benefits for individuals born from this practice, with special attention to genetic diagnosis prior to implant, in view of the substantial negative effects on the embryo and on the introduction of eugenic selection; (3) a responsible procreation, the protection of maternity and the voluntary interruption of pregnancy: what significance does each of these elements carry? What is the role of doctors in all this? What are the proposals to protect motherhood nowadays? What is the role of the doctors in pre-natal diagnosis and what information is provided to parents on the actual usefulness of these tests? (4) the decision not to resuscitate extremely premature babies, which has been discussed by the Italian Scientific Society of Neonatology, by the Italian National Commission of Bioethics and by the Italian High Council of Health Services. Some positions still emerge in regards to assistance of prematures which are at variance with the position of the three above mentioned organisations and of a great part of the scientific world.

T08-O-17 Sexuality after voluntary interruption of pregnancy

Objective Our study evaluates the sexual function after Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy(VIP) and the type of contraception formerly used. Methods The sample includes 2036 women, 1905 of which had a VIP during the first trimester of pregnancy and 131 during the second. 30 days after VIP, they were asked to fill in a self-administered questionnaire on their sexual life (FSFI) anonymously. The mean age was 29.4 (SD± 6.9); 76% of women were married or cohabitant, 24% single. 65% had one child at least, 29% had a job and 61% were housewives. Results Coitus interruptus was the most widespread method (45%), then pill (0.5%), IUD (0.5%), condom (5%), natural planning (2%), while 47% didn’t use any method. 25% had already experienced a VIP. FSFI shows 52.7 ( SD± 11.8) as the mean score for the first group (only in 2% of cases is 24.7); the score is 34.7 (SD± 29.3) for the second group. Discussion The first group shows a return to a normal sexual life, even if there were some sexual disfunctions in 2% of cases. The second group almost refuses sexuality, maybe for psychological reasons.

T06-O-06 Teenagers’contraception: sexual and legal issues

Objective The study investigates teenagers'sexual education, inquiring if legal proceedings need updatings. Methods 630 students (mean age 16.49±1.48) anonymously filled in a questionnaire we created, including one domain with general questions and one investigating the source of information, knowledge and use of contraceptives. Then we estimated differences between schools with a sexual education program and schools without it. Results Condom is the best known contraceptive (97%). 55% (42% girls - 58% boys) of the sample had sexual experiences (mean age of the first one: 15.6±1.3); 82.6% use condoms, 11.38% pills, but answers like “no method” (20.4%), “coitus interruptus” (23.4%) and “natural planning” (10.2%) show up. 20.5% of sexually active girls had needed the interceptive pill (MAP) once at least, while voluntary pregnancy interruption (VIP) involved 2% of them. The information sources were: friends (58.9%), school (55%), mass media (21.5%), “self-taught” (20.25%), others. The χ-test, comparing schools with and without education plans, resulted in p>0.001. Discussion Laws n. 66/96 and n. 269/99 say teenagers can practice sex since the age of 14, while at 13 they can practice with people not older than 3 years. An inadequate education and restrictions in prescribing MAP could lead to a subsequent VIP, so both correct education plans and more defined laws about MAP prescription in teenagers are strongly hoped.

Bioethics and Sources of Law

The aim of the present paper is to verify the qualitative typologies of “prescriptive, jurisprudential and doctrinal positivization” of universal ethical values by reporting different contemporaneous juridical experiences. Particular attention is devoted to problems such as voluntary interruption of pregnancy, assisted reproduction, euthanasia and refusal of medical treatment.

Review of the International Literature

Batty, M.J., Bonnington, S., Tang, B., Hawken, M.B, & Gruzelier, J.H. (2006). Relaxation strategies and enhancement of hypnotic susceptibility: EEG neurofeedback, progressive muscle relaxation and self-hypnosis. Brain Research Bulletin, 71 (1–3),83–90. Brown, R.J. (2006). Different types of “dissociation” have different psychological mechanisms. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 7 (4), 7–28. Diamond, S.G., Davis, O.C., Schaechter, J.D., & Howe, R.D. (2006). Hypnosis for rehabilitation after stroke: Six case studies. Contemporary Hypnosis, 23 (4), 173–180. Ferrell, M.D., Beach, R.L., Szeverenyi, N.M., Krch, M., & Fernhall, B. (2006). An fMRI analysis of neural activity during perceived zone-state performance. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 28 (4), 421–433. Gay, M. (2007). Effectiveness of hypnosis in reducing mild essential hypertension: A one-year follow-up. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 55(1), 67–83. Guzman-Hosta L., Martinez-Taboas A., Rodriguez-Gomez J. (2007). A Spanish version of the Barber Suggestibility Scale for the Puerto Rican population. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 55(1), 59–66. Holmes, E.A.; Oakley, D.A.; Stuart, A.D.P.; Brewin, C.R. (2006). Investigating pen-traumatic dissociation using hypnosis during a traumatic film. Journal of Trauma h Dissociation, 7 (4), 91–111. Hutchinson-Phillips S, Gow K, & Jamieson G.A. (2007). Hypnotizability, eating behaviors, attitudes, and concerns: A literature survey. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 55(1), 84–113. Lang, E.V., Berbaum, K.S., Faintuch, S., Hatsiopoulou, O., Halsey, N., Li, X., Berbaum, M.L., Laser, E., & Baum, J. (2006). Adjunctive self-hypnotic relaxation for outpatient medical procedures: A prospective randomized trial with women undergoing large core breast biopsy. Pain, 126 (1–3), 155–164. Lee, J.S., Spiegel, D., Kim, S.B., Lee, J.H., Kim, S.I., Yang, B.H., Choi, J.H., Kho, Y.C., & Nam, J. H. (2007). Fractal analysis of EEG in hypnosis and its relationship with hypnotizability. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 55(1), 14–31. Marc, I., Rainville, P., Verreault, R., Vaillancourt, L., Masse, B., & Dodin, S. (2007). The use of hypnosis to improve pain management during voluntary interruption of pregnancy: An open randomized preliminary study. Contraception, 75(1), 52–58. Oakley D.A., Deeley Q, & Halligan P. W. (2007). Hypnotic depth and response to suggestion under standardized conditions and during fMRI Scanning. International Journalof Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 55(1), 32–58. Sebastiani, L., D'Alessandro, L., Menicucci, D., Ghelarducci, B., & Santarcangelo, E. L. (2007). Role of relaxation and specific suggestions in hypnotic emotional numbing. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 63(1), 125–132. Sood, A., Ebbed, J.O., Sood, R., & Stevens, S.R. (2006). Complementary treatments for tobacco cessation: A survey. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 8 (6), 767–771. Varga, K., Józsa, E., Báinyai, É.I., Gõsi-Greguss, & A.C. A new way of characterizing hypnotic interactions: Dyadic Interactional Harmony (DIH) questionnaire. Contemporary Hypnosis, 23(4), 151–166. Younger J.W., Rossetti G.C., Borckardt JJ., Smith A.R., Tasso A.F., & Nash M.R. (2007). Hypnotizability and somatic complaints: A gender-specific phenomenon. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 55(1), 1–13. Yu, C. (2006). Defense mechanisms and suggestibility. Contemporary Hypnosis, 23 (4), 167–172.

The use of hypnosis to improve pain management during voluntary interruption of pregnancy: An open randomized preliminary study

Abstract Objective This report describes an open randomized study that aims to determine whether a brief hypnotic intervention during first-trimester surgical abortion reduces requests for pain medication. Methods Thirty women undergoing first-trimester surgical abortion at the family planning clinics of a large hospital in Quebec City were randomized into a control group that received standard care and a hypnosis group that received, in addition to standard care, an intervention of hypnosis, including analgesia suggestions 20 min before and throughout the surgical procedure. Patients in both groups were given the option to control their pain with nitrous oxide (N 2 O) sedation administered through a nose mask as often and for as long as they wanted during the procedure. N 2 O sedation as the primary outcome was assessed at each step of the procedure. The patient's self-reported anxiety and pain were also assessed during the procedure as secondary outcomes. Results Thirty-six percent of patients in the hypnosis group requested N 2 O sedation during the procedure versus 87% in the control group (p Conclusion These results suggest that hypnosis can be integrated into standard care and reduces the need for N 2 O in patients undergoing first-trimester surgical abortion. This reduction in N 2 O consumption did not lead to significant changes in pain or anxiety, and a larger sample size is required to assess the possible effects of hypnosis on those variables.

Risk Factors for Ectopic Pregnancy in Women With Symptomatic First-Trimester Pregnancies

Approximately one in 50 pregnancies in the United States is ectopic, and the incidence of ectopic pregnancy (EP) reportedly has increased 6-fold over the past 25 years. Early diagnosis and appropriate outpatient care clearly limit morbidity and mortality from EP as well as helping to preserve future fertility. This study is the first to associate both historical variables and symptoms with the presence of EP in women who present in the first trimester with pain and/or bleeding but in whom the diagnosis is not readily apparent. A total of 2026 such women, seen at a single center in the years 1990 through 1999, were evaluated. EP was diagnosed in 367 patients, ongoing intrauterine pregnancy in 467, and spontaneous abortion (SAB) in 1192. Case patients were slightly older than controls in this largely black study cohort. A large number of possible confounding factors were adjusted for, including age, voluntary interruption of pregnancy in the past, the number of ectopic gestations, a history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), parity, moderate to severe bleeding at presentation, pain as the presenting symptom, and the initial level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). A history of EP was positively associated with current EP as were an initial hCG level exceeding 500 mIU/mL, parity of one, past hospitalization for PID, and presentation with either pain or moderate to severe bleeding. Age less than 25 and a history of voluntarily interrupting pregnancy both were negatively associated with EP. Putative risk factors for EP that were not significant factors in the present study included gravidity, previous SAB, previous live births, the past use of an intrauterine device, previous pelvic surgery or cesarean section, and either a history of or current cervical infection with chlamydia and/or gonorrhea. If the risk factors for EP identified in this study do have high predictive value, they may aid the timely diagnosis of this condition, permit medical treatment, lower morbidity and mortality, preserve fertility, and lessen healthcare costs.

The use of hypnosis to improve pain management during voluntary interruption of pregnancy: an open randomized preliminary study

Objective This report describes an open randomized study that aims to determine whether a brief hypnotic intervention during first-trimester surgical abortion reduces requests for pain medication. Methods Thirty women undergoing first-trimester surgical abortion at the family planning clinics of a large hospital in Quebec City were randomized into a control group that received standard care and a hypnosis group that received, in addition to standard care, an intervention of hypnosis, including analgesia suggestions 20 min before and throughout the surgical procedure. Patients in both groups were given the option to control their pain with nitrous oxide (N 2O) sedation administered through a nose mask as often and for as long as they wanted during the procedure. N 2O sedation as the primary outcome was assessed at each step of the procedure. The patient's self-reported anxiety and pain were also assessed during the procedure as secondary outcomes. Results Thirty-six percent of patients in the hypnosis group requested N 2O sedation during the procedure versus 87% in the control group (p<.01). No differences between the groups were found in reports of pain and anxiety during the procedure. Conclusion These results suggest that hypnosis can be integrated into standard care and reduces the need for N 2O in patients undergoing first-trimester surgical abortion. This reduction in N 2O consumption did not lead to significant changes in pain or anxiety, and a larger sample size is required to assess the possible effects of hypnosis on those variables.

Intereses, conducta sexual y comportamiento de riesgo para la salud sexual de escolares adolescentes participantes en un programa de educación sexual

A sample of 501 teenagers (secondary school) fulfiJIed a half structured survey, parlicipatíng in a program of sexual education. The objectives are: 1- to describe the frequencyand distribution of sexual behaviours in these students. their level and sources of information and sexual knowledge, convictions, thoughts and myths in sexualíty; interests and requests for information; and 2- to know the different factors which suppose risky conducts in the adolescents sexuaJity as undesired pregnancies and deficits in sexual information, wrong assumptions and sexual activity. The results show that a 47.70% of the interviewed teenagers have had any kind of sexual activily, a 36.32% stimulate themselves, a 41.51 % caresses and kisses and a 3.39% have coital relationships. Men start sexual activity before than women in any case and the percentage of realization is also higher. A 40.31% do not know what the contraceptive methods are and a 37.31 % will not be able to use a preservative properly. A 68.25% do not know the location of the clítoris and a 59.09% do not know if it can produce pleasure in women. A 29.52% have wrong assumptions and myths regarding masturbation and a 30.52% regarding homosexuality. Teenagers ask far information firstlyabout the sexual relations and ignore the available sanitary resources. Teenagers value interventions in sexual education. In conclusion, a high percentage 01 teenagers -with sexual activity- manifest having received deficient sexual information and present a low knowledge and wrong assumptions in sexuality and lack of informatíon in contraceptive methods. We think that these factors present a risky condítion both sexual and reproductive, both in the present and in the future having consequences as preventing unwanted pregnancíes, sexually transmítted diseases and AIDS, voluntary interruption of pregnancy, premature maternity or sexual dysfunctions. We value the implications of these results with he relevance of new programs of sexual educatíon to youngest scholars. The final objective would be the capacity and adoptíon of behaviours which promote the preservatíon of their sexual condition and then the capacity of planning a belter, safer and more qualifled future life.

Admission of foreign citizens to the general teaching hospital of bologna, northeastern Italy: An epidemiological and clinical survey

The emergency regarding recent immigration waves into Italy makes continued healthcare monitoring of these populations necessary. Through a survey of hospital admissions carried out during the last five years at the S. Orsola-Malpighi General Hospital of Bologna (Italy), all causes of admission of these subjects were evaluated, together with their correlates. Subsequently, we focused on admissions due to infectious diseases. All available data regarding foreign citizens admitted as inpatients or in Day-Hospital settings of our teaching hospital from January 1, 1999, to March 31, 2004, were assessed. Diagnosis-related group (DRG) features, and single discharge diagnoses, were also evaluated, and a further assessment of infectious diseases was subsequently made. Within a comprehensive pool of 339,051 hospitalized patients, foreign citizen discharges numbered 7,312 (2.15%), including 2,542 males (34.8%) and 4,769 females (65.2%). Males had a mean age of 36.8+/-14.7 years, while females were aged 30.8+/-12.2 years. In the assessment of the areas of origin, 34.6% of hospitalizations were attributed to patients coming from Eastern Europe, 15.3% from Northern Africa, 7.3% (comprehensively) from Western Europe and United States, 6.9% from the Indian subcontinent, 5.9% from sub-Saharan Africa, 5.7% from Latin America, 4.1% from China, 2.5% from the Philippines, and 1.1% from the Middle East. Among women, most hospitalizations (58.8%) were due to obstetrical-gynecological procedures or diseases, including assistance with delivery (27.1%), and pregnancy complications (18.7%), followed by psycho-social disturbances (5.9%), malignancies (5.1%), gastrointestinal diseases (4.7%), and voluntary pregnancy interruption (4.4%). Among men, the most frequent causes of admissions were related to trauma (15.9%), followed by gastroenteric disorders (12%), heart-vascular diseases (8.9%), psycho-social disorders (8.4%), respiratory (7.1%), kidney (6.1%), liver (5.2%), and metabolic (4.9%) diseases, and alcohol or substance abuse (4.2%). Infectious diseases (alone or with concurrent disorders) were reported in 881 discharged individuals, representing 12.1% of the 7,312 DRGs attributed to foreign patients. The comprehensive patient population discharged from our hospital with at least one infectious disease diagnosis had lower rates of respiratory tract infections, followed by chronic viral hepatitis, HIV infection and related diseases, enterocolitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, pyelonephritis, severe skin and soft tissue infection, meningoencephalitis, and malaria, as the most frequently-reported disorders. Our survey, through a combined analysis of both DRGs and discharge diagnoses, allowed us to conclude that 12.1% of foreign citizens hospitalized at our General teaching Hospital of Bologna (Italy) suffered from at least one infectious disease. Respiratory tract, liver, and gastrointestinal infections, and HIV infection, were found with an appreciable frequency among discharge diagnoses, while the frequency of malaria and meningoencephalitis was lower, compared with other series. Among disorders other than infectious diseases, obstetric-gynecological conditions and post-traumatic episodes (for male patients) were the most frequent causes of hospitalization.

Human placenta and fetal membranes express nerve growth factor mRNA and protein

The present study investigated whether trophoblast, decidua and fetal membranes express nerve growth factor (NGF) mRNA and peptide. Tissue specimens were collected in the first and third trimester of pregnancy from women undergoing voluntary pregnancy interruption (no.= 6; from 8 to 12 gestational weeks) and from women having an elective caesarean section at term (no.= 6; week 39-40 of pregnancy). Using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), trophoblast, amnion/chorion and maternal decidua showed the expression of NGF mRNA both in early gestation and at term. By immunohistochemistry, the immunoreactive NGF was found in the cyto and syncytial trophoblast cells, chorionic mesodermic cells and in decidua. Vessel endothelial cells were stained in maternal compartments, while fetal vessels were unstained. These results, showing the expression and localization of NGF, support the current concept that human placenta is a potent neuroendocrine organ throughout gestation.

Management of twin–twin transfusion syndrome in pregnancies with iatrogenic detachment of membranes following therapeutic amniocentesis and the role of interim amniopatch

Detachment of membranes may occur after therapeutic amniocentesis for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Subsequent amniocenteses or endoscopic fetal therapy may be hindered or made altogether impossible by this complication. The purpose of this study was to describe our experience in the assessment and management of TTTS patients with iatrogenic detached membranes (IDM). Patients with IDM referred for fetal surgery for TTTS were considered ineligible for standard surgery and were offered different alternatives, including expectant management, serial amniocentesis, or an attempt at surgery with or without prior amniopatch. Pregnancy outcomes were compared between surgical and non-surgical patients. Nine hundred and forty-four patients with a diagnosis of TTTS were referred between July 1997 and December 2004, of whom 322 (34.1%) had a prior therapeutic amniocentesis. Twenty-six of the 322 patients (8%) had IDM. Ten patients opted to be managed with subsequent amniocenteses, two of which had an amniopatch. One patient had voluntary interruption of pregnancy. Fifteen patients underwent surgery, 10 of whom underwent an amniopatch. Overall, resealing of membranes occurred in 8/12 (66%) patients treated with an amniopatch. Survival of at least one fetus was greater in patients treated surgically with or without an amniopatch (12/15, 80% vs. 4/11, 36%, P = 0.04). Membrane detachment is an important complication of therapeutic amniocentesis in the treatment of TTTS. Although successful treatment of IDM can be achieved with an interim amniopatch, this alternative is not without risks. Therapeutic amniocenteses should be discouraged in patients considering endoscopic fetal surgery for TTTS.

Interrupción voluntaria del embarazo en mujeres de un distrito sanitario de Almería durante el período 1998-2002

The immigrant population has undergone an increase in Andalusia as a whole and in Almeria in particular. The primary healthcare districts manage the requests for voluntary interruption of pregnancy. This study is aimed as describing the trend in requests for voluntary interruption of pregnancy among immigrant and non-immigrant women in the "Levante-Alto Almanzora" Health District of Almeria. Descriptive study conducts during the 1998-2002 period. requests for voluntary interruption of pregnancy, Andalusian Institute of Statistics demographic data, temporary medical care cards. Age, date of request, pregnancy > or =, or < 12 weeks, type of population (immigrant or non-immigrant). Voluntary interruption of pregnancy rates were calculated per 1000 women within the 15-49 age range and the relative risk with confidence intervals and statistical significance for studying the relationship between the number of interruptions and populations type. A total of 224 requests were studied. The largest number were made in 2002, for a 3.1 rate. The age group making the largest number of requests was the 20-24 age range (29.5%). Ninety-five percent (95%) of the women were less than 12-weeks pregnant. A total of 52.7% were immigrant women, a greater risk of requesting voluntary interruption of pregnancy having been found among immigrants as compared to native Spanish women, RR of 66.45 (CI 95%: 36.11-122.28) in 2001; 292.8 (CI 95%: 91.12-940.9) in 1999. Voluntary interruption of pregnancy was found to have increased in the public services, particularly among immigrant women, within the period studied.