[Is there any relation between couple violence and repeated medical abortion?]

Exposure to violence and associated factors among abortion-seeking women - A multicentre study in Sweden during the Covid-19 pandemic

This study aimed to investigate factors associated with exposure to violence over the past 12 months among women seeking abortion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study, nested within a multi-center questionnaire survey, involving 623 abortion-seeking women in Sweden from January to June 2021. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multivariate regression analysis (using odds ratios [OR] and 95% confidence intervals [CI]) were employed.

RESULTS

Out of the 623 women, 9.9% (n = 59) reported exposure to physical, psychological, and/or sexual violence in the past 12 months. Several factors were correlated with being a victim of violence. However, after adjustment in the regression model, the significant factors included: age 16-26 (OR 2.37, 95% CI; 1.24-4.52, p <.009), poor physical and mental well-being prior to pregnancy (OR 3.29; CI 1.69-6.40, p <.001), having had ≥ 2 previous abortions (OR 2.27, 95% CI; 1.16-4.44, p =.017), and being single (OR 4.70, 95% CI; 2.51-8.77, p <.001).

CONCLUSION

Nearly one in ten women seeking abortion reported exposure to violence in the preceding year. Being young, having poor physical and mental health, undergoing multiple abortions, and singlehood emerge as risk factors for violence exposure. Abortion providers have a crucial role and should consistently identify women exposed to violence, offering them the necessary guidance and referrals for further support.

Repeat induced abortion and adverse childhood experiences in Aquitaine, France: a cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to analyse the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and repeat induced abortion, with regard to the potential effects of social deprivation and intimate partner violence.

METHODS

An observational cross-sectional survey was conducted across each of the 25 abortion centres in Aquitaine, France, from 15 June to 15 September 2009. The sample comprised 806 women >18 years who had requested an induced abortion. Data were collected through a self-reported anonymous questionnaire on ACEs and experience of previous abortion. The main outcome measure was the percentage of repeat induced abortions.

RESULTS

Among the participants, 473 (58.7%) were having their first induced abortion and 333 (41.3%) had already had a previous induced abortion. The abortion rank (first, second, third or more) was inversely related to the proportion of women with no ACE exposure (28%, 20% and 9%, respectively) and positively related to the proportion of women with a high ACE exposure (17%, 27% and 32%, respectively). Compared with women with no ACE exposure who were having a first induced abortion, in those with high ACE exposure, the odds of a third or more request for abortion was high: adjusted odds ratio 7.73 (95% confidence interval 3.56, 16.77).

CONCLUSION

We found a strong graded link between the extent of ACE exposure and the occurrence of repeat induced abortion.