Abortions and HIV-1 infection in New York City, 1987-1989

Abstract

Objective: This serologic survey was performed to determine rates of HIV-1 infection among New York City (NYC) women seeking abortions.

Design: Anonymous unlinked blood samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of HIV-1 antibodies. Abortion clinics were chosen for the representativeness of their patient population to all women obtaining abortions in NYC.

Setting: Blood samples and demographic information, including age group, race/ethnicity, borough of residence and type of payment were obtained from 15 abortion sites (11 clinics, four hospitals) in NYC between 1987 and 1989.

Participants: A total of 5889 blood samples were collected from women seeking abortions. Twelve of the 15 facilities were sampled in all 3 years.

Main outcome measures: We determined HIV infection rates in the overall sample and in selected subpopulations, and assessed temporal trends. Stepwise logistic regression was applied to identify factors independently associated with HIV-1 infection.

Results: The rate of HIV-1 infection in the overall sample was 1.19% (70 out of 5889) and remained stable in the 12 facilities sampled during all 3 years: 1987 (1.42%, 17 out of 1200); 1988 (1.67%, 20 out of 1200); and 1989 (0.90%, 27 out of 2989) (P = 0.09). Logistic regression identified receiving Medicaid and being aged between 25 and 35 years to be independently associated with HIV-1 infection.

Conclusion: Approximately 1200 women seeking abortions annually in NYC are infected with HIV-1. If accessibility to elective abortion is curtailed, the number of children born to HIV-1 infected mothers will increase.