Characteristics of women who have repeat abortions in the Netherlands

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To explore the demographic characteristics of women having multiple abortions, in order to identify abortion clients who might be at increased risk of repeat abortion. METHODS: On the basis of the registration data of most Dutch abortion clinics, responsible for 64% of all such procedures, women who procured a first abortion were compared to those who had one or more previously. Results of bivariate analyses and a multivariate binary logistic regression analysis are presented. RESULTS: Of all abortions, 36% were repeat abortions. Women aged over 20 were more likely to have repeat abortions, as were migrants, particularly those with a Caribbean background (from Surinam or the Netherlands Antilles) and women who had children. Effect sizes of other factors were very small. Surprisingly, women who had repeat abortions more often used contraception in the preceding six months than women who had a first abortion, but also this effect size was small as well. A multivariate logistic regression analysis led to similar results. CONCLUSIONS: Abortion clients with a Caribbean background should be targeted for the prevention of more unwanted pregnancies. Not only should the use of reliable contraception be promoted, but also compliance and continuation.