Abstract

PIP: The effect of reporting therapeutic abortions in Maryland from 1968-1970 to assess the impact of the new abortion law, which was a liberalization of the previous law, is discussed. All hospitals in the state were required to report on all abortions performed. In fiscal year 1969, 2134 abortions were performed, while 5530 were performed in fiscal year 1970. Of the state's 39 non-federal hospitals only 2 did more than 100 abortions. The ratio of abortions to live births was 40.1/1000 live births in 1969 and 101.6/1000 live births in 1970. 2/3 of all abortions were performed on patients recommended by a private physician or by a member of the hospital staff. 91.6% of all abortions performed in 1969 were for mental health reasons, while in 1971 96.1% fell into this category during the first 6 months. The most common method of abortion was suction curettage whose use increased from 20.9 to 45% during the period 1969-1970. Morbidity (defined to include fever in excess of 100.4 degrees F, transfusion and other complications) occurred in 0.4 to 1.8% of all suction curettage patients, and in 2.9 to 8.1% of all saline amniotic fluid exchange patients. Hysterotomy and hysterectomy had rates of 8.6 to 24.4%. The proportion of out of state women declined from 15.0% to 2.8% during 1969-1970. Blacks had higher ratios (132.8/1000 live births) than did whites (76.5/1000 live births). The median age was 22. 49% had no children. The law had its greatest impact in large urban areas during the first year, while smaller urban areas were affected during the second year.