[Abortion after the 12th completed pregnancy week. Report of experience of a specialist commission]

In the GDR abruptio after 12th completed week of gestation is only allowed in cases of severe threat of health or danger for life. The decision is made by a group of specialists. Analysing the years 1972-1986 all the 135 cases worked up by the commission of the district hospital of Gera were evaluated. Reasons for delayed diagnosis of pregnancy and arguments for wanted abruptio were most interesting. To determine possible trends, the results were subdivided in two periods, 1972-1979 and 1980-1986. In the second period an unfavourable development was detected regarding number of cases, distribution of age, number of preceded pregnancies, and gestational age. A special problem was the group of juvenile pregnant women. Social arguments were dominating, especially problems regarding the partners. Associated with them, indecision on bearing to maturity was a predominant reason for delayed diagnosis of pregnancy followed by disorders of menstruation. Social arguments may be reduced about 80% by consequent contraception methods. Proper and consequent application of oral contraceptives could avoid 70% of the late diagnoses. Teenager should be brought to contraception by more confidence in their families.