Abstract

PIP: A retrospective study of abortion and maternal deaths in Minnesota during the period 1950-1965 is presented. Data from the Minnesota Maternal Mortality Study indicate that there were 658 maternal deaths and 1,301,745 live births. 21 of these deaths were due to criminal abortion. It is estimated that 60%-80% of all abortions performed were done for psychiatric reasons in apprehension of maternal suicide. 14 suicides were reported during the period and only 4 occurred during the gestational period. None of the suicides was an illegitimately pregnant woman.