Why abortion An updated synthesis of a study regarding abortion and contraception among Swedish women

Abstract
In 2000 we administered a questionnaire to 591 Swedish-speaking women presenting for an early pregnancy termination in order to investigate their reasons for abortion and their contraceptive practices. The response rate was 88% (n=518). Many women, 43%, had experienced one or more previous abortions. The majority found it difficult to decide about abortion and gave many reasons for their decision such as poor economy, relational problems and unsuitable timing of the pregnancy. Most women, 85%, had used contraception during the previous year, but at the time of conception 36% had not used any contraception. The main reasons for non-use were the belief that they could not at that time become pregnant (35%) or that they took the risk (27%).Conclusions: Women found it difficult to decide about pregnancy termination and many reasons were mentioned. They had inadequate contraceptive practices and could thus be at risk for future unwanted pregnancies. Good counseling and a close follow-up may be ways of reducing this risk. Information about contraception should include emergency contraception and the method should be available to all fertile women.

Key words
Mujeres que consultan para realizar un aborto, aborto inducido, anticoncepción, anticoncepción de emergencia, aborto, embarazo, métodos anticonceptivos

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