Repeat abortion: a qualitative study

In a qualitative study of 20 women seeking a repeat abortion, interviews lasting for 1.5-2 hours were conducted after the first appointment with a gynecologist when the abortion was planned. The women were aged 20-29 years and had experienced one to five abortion(s) during the previous 5 years. The aim of the study was to attain understanding of the phenomenon of repeat abortion. The women were asked to express their thoughts related to their situation and their choices. The following categories were found: psychosocial background factors, reactions to previous abortion(s), reflections on fertility, sexuality, psychological factors, social factors, contraceptive use, the present pregnancy, motives for the planned abortion, feelings about the planned abortion and risk-taking process. Most of the women seemed to have a psychological vulnerability with many current and previous problems, as well as problems regarding sexuality. It was evident that insecurity was present in the use of contraceptives and in relation to sexual activities and to sexual partners. The main reason for an unplanned pregnancy is not a lack of information or even a lack of knowledge, but rather a failure to integrate the knowledge with situational, intrapsychic and social factors.