Related Experiment Videos
Abortion surveillance--United States, 1992
Summary
Legal induced abortion numbers in the U.S. remained stable from 1980-1992. However, the abortion rate declined since 1987, with 1992 seeing the lowest ratio since 1977.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Reproductive Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has monitored legal induced abortions in the United States since 1969.
- Abortion data is compiled annually from 52 reporting areas, including all states, the District of Columbia, and New York City.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize and review data on legal induced abortions obtained in the U.S. during 1992.
- To present updated information on abortion-related deaths from 1985-1991.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data reported to the CDC on legal induced abortions.
- Review of abortion-related mortality data collected by the CDC.
Main Results:
- In 1992, 1,359,145 abortions were reported, a 2.1% decrease from 1991.
- The abortion ratio was 335 per 1,000 live births, and the abortion rate was 23 per 1,000 women aged 15-44.
- Most abortions occurred in young, white, unmarried women, with over half performed by the 8th week of gestation. Abortion-related deaths were rare.
Conclusions:
- Abortion numbers and rates have been stable since 1980, with a declining abortion-to-live-birth ratio since 1987.
- More women are choosing to carry pregnancies to term.
- Continued monitoring of abortion trends and characteristics is essential for assessing unintended pregnancy prevention and reducing abortion-related morbidity and mortality.