Therapeutic abortions in California

Abstract

Therapeutic abortions in California have increased from 5,030 in 1968 to 15,339 in 1969, and over 60,000 are estimated for 1970. Also, there are pronounced regional differences in therapeutic abortions relative to live births. In 1969 the San Francisco Bay Area had six times as many abortions (115 per 1000 births) as did the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area (19). Preliminary figures for 1970 indicate this difference may be narrowed to a two-fold difference by the end of the year. Experience in other countries indicates morbidity and mortality risks are high in procedures done after the twelfth week, and in California one abortion in four is done after this period. Planning is needed to assure access to abortion services in all areas of the State and to meet the obligations of law and equity implicit in the Therapeutic Abortion Act. This should include counseling, follow-up, and referral services and not just the abortion procedure alone. Extension and more effective use of family planning services could substantially reduce unwanted pregnancies and the consequent demand for abortion. Efforts are also indicated to reduce the proportion of women terminating pregnancy after the twelfth week of gestation.Deaths associated with illegal abortions have decreased from 35 in 1966-1967 to 22 in 1968-1969. This is consistent with the view that the number of illegal abortions is decreasing.