A review of induced abortion rates in England and Wales, 1969-1994

This study examines trends in induced abortion rates in England and Wales, from 1969 to 1994. A comparison of the trends between the different age groups shows contrasting changes and interesting features. The only age group to show a continuous increase since 1969 has been females aged 11 to 14 years. This may be due to birth cohort effect, as younger women begin sexual activity in a social environment of higher risk than previous cohorts. These considerations have important implications for the organisation of preventive services particularly health education. In spite of the availability of improved and better contraceptive services and sex education, the cohort analysis suggests that induced abortion rates in each successive cohort was higher than the preceding cohort.