[Psychologic approach to voluntary termination of pregnancy]

This study was based on a representative sample of 233 women. This first communication explains the methodology used in the study. It discusses social characteristics of the sample population and analyzes the subjects' motivations for requesting an abortion. Two important aspects of this study are: 1. the sample population is not a specific population; 2. many reasons are involved in the decision to terminate pregnancy. Most frequently cited are sociological reasons, often reinforced by economic reasons.