Fertility after induced abortion: a prospective follow-up study.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Prospective non-randomized cohort study with control groups
What was done
A prospective cohort study tracked 1,235 postabortal women, 912 recently delivered women, and 939 gynecology clinic patients for up to 3.5 years to evaluate subsequent cumulative pregnancy rates.
What was found
Cumulative pregnancy rates were similar across the abortion, delivery, and previously pregnant clinic groups. Under varying assumptions regarding entrance into follow-up, the abortion group showed a somewhat lower pregnancy rate after 9 months, coinciding with higher contraceptive use in that group. Age, parity, race, marital status, Medicaid status, and history of urinary tract infections influenced pregnancy rates in all groups. Induced abortion status did not reduce pregnancy rates, and women reporting three or more abortions had a higher pregnancy rate. The abstract reports no exact percentages, relative risks, or confidence intervals.
Why it matters
It provides prospective cohort data indicating that induced abortion does not impair subsequent fertility or increase the risk of sterility compared with childbirth or general gynecologic care.
Limits
The abstract reports no exact quantitative figures or confidence intervals. The cohorts differed in baseline characteristics and contraceptive practices, and fertility intention was not fully controlled.
Cited by
- supports Scientific studies show that having an elective termination of pregnancy does not negatively impact long-term fertility.