Therapeutic Abortion: Medical and Social Sequels

A retrospective study of 114 patients ranging in age from 12 to 47 years who had had therapeutic abortions showed few medical complications. The large number of women whose most serious problem was their unwanted pregnancy stated that the abortion was helpful. Social activities, religious attitudes, and occupation were little affected by the abortion. For the small number who had serious psychiatric problems the abortion had little effect on the course of their condition. A marked increase in birth control practice followed therapeutic abortion. Most patients cited the need for wider dissemination of birth control information.