Increased number of applications for late termination of pregnancy in Denmark

INTRODUCTION

Last year, it was 40 years since the introduction of legal abortion until the 12th week of gestation and the possibility of late termination of pregnancy in Denmark. The aim of this study was to describe the development in applications for late termination of pregnancy in the 1986-2011-period focusing on indications related to the women’s conditions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All applications for late termination of pregnancy in 1986 were reviewed by Nordentoft et al, and access to all applications from 2011 was granted by the abortion committees and the Appeals Board. All applications were reviewed in order to explore the development since 1986.

RESULTS

The total number of applications for late termination of pregnancy has increased by 45% from 1986 to 2011 with 594 and 862 applications, respectively. Despite this increase, the number of permissions granted with reference to the women’s conditions has decreased. In 1986 and 2011, 488 and 382 women, respectively, applied for late termination of pregnancy with reference to the women’s conditions. Of the 519 women who were granted permission in 1986, 31% were ≤ 20 years of age. In 2011 this age group represented only 12%.

CONCLUSION

Significant changes in the women’s age and the reasons they provide when applying for late termination of pregnancy have been observed from 1986 to 2011. Further investigation of this subject will contribute to securing the best possible conditions for women going through late termination of pregnancy.

FUNDING

Not relevant.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Not relevant.

CORRESPONDENCE: Sara Sofie Theibel. E-mail: sath@sund.ku.dk

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: Disclosure forms provided by the authors are available with the full text of this article at www.danmedj.dk

REFERENCE: Dan Med J 2014;61(2):A4782