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Abortion surveillance--United States, 1995
L M Koonin1, J C Smith, M Ramick
1Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.
Summary
The annual number of legal abortions in the U.S. has declined since 1990, reaching its lowest ratio and rate since 1975 in 1995. This trend indicates fewer pregnant women are choosing abortion.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Reproductive Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The annual number of abortions in the United States has decreased by 15% since 1990.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has compiled abortion data since 1969.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize and review information on legal induced abortions in the United States during 1995.
- To monitor trends in induced abortion and assess efforts to prevent unintended pregnancies.
Main Methods:
- Data compiled by the CDC from 52 reporting areas (50 states, District of Columbia, New York City).
- Review of legal induced abortion information reported to the CDC for 1995.
Main Results:
- In 1995, 1,210,883 legal abortions were reported, a 4.5% decrease from 1994.
- The abortion ratio (311 per 1,000 live births) and rate (20 per 1,000 women aged 15-44) were the lowest recorded since 1975.
- Most abortions were performed early in gestation (< or =8 weeks for 54%), with younger women more likely to have later abortions.
Conclusions:
- The number of abortions has declined annually since 1990.
- The declining abortion-to-live-birth ratio since 1987 suggests a lower proportion of pregnant women are obtaining abortions.
- Continued monitoring of abortion trends and characteristics is crucial for evaluating prevention efforts and reducing associated morbidity and mortality.