Pregnancy complications following legally induced abortion

Abstract

The frequency of pregnancy and delivery complications in women whose previous pregnancy was terminated by a legally induced abortion is evaluated in a prospective and a retrospective study. Bleeding before 28 wk of gestation and retention of placenta or placental tissue occurred more frequently after legal abortion than in a control group matched for age, parity and socio-economic status. Other pregnancy and delivery complications did not occur more frequently after legal abortion. The study could not demonstrate an increased frequency of low birth weight among women whose previous pregnancy was terminated by legal abortion.