Induced abortion in Italy: levels, trends and characteristics

Abstract

Subsequent to the legalization of abortion in Italy in 1978, abortion; rates among Italian women first rose and then declined steadily, from a peak of 16.9 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age in 1983 to 9.8 per 1,000 in 1993. Abortion rates vary considerably by geographic region, with rates typically highest in the more secular and modernized regions and lowest in regions where traditional values predominate. Data from 1981 and 1991 indicate that age-specific abortion rates decreased during the 1980s for all age-groups, with the largest declines occurring in regions with the highest levels of abortion. Moreover, a shift in the age distribution of abortion rates occurred during the 1980s, with women aged 30-34 registering the highest abortion rate in 1991, whereas in 1981 the highest level of abortion occurred among those aged 25-29. The abortion rate among adolescent women was low at both times (7.6 per 1,000 in 1981 and 4.6 per 1,000 in 1991). These data are based only on reported legal abortions; the number of clandestine abortions remains unknown.

PIP: In May 1978, women in Italy were granted the legal right to terminate a pregnancy upon request during the first trimester. Following this legalization of abortion, the data on reported legal abortions indicate that abortion rates among Italian women first rose, then declined steadily, from a high of 16.9 abortions per 1000 women of reproductive age in 1983 to 9.8/1000 in 1993. Abortion rates tend to be highest in the more secular, modernized regions and lowest in regions where traditional values predominate. 1981 and 1991 data indicate that age-specific abortion rates decreased during the 1980s for all age groups, with the largest declines occurring in regions with the highest levels of abortion. The highest levels of abortion in 1981 were among women aged 25-29, while such levels in 1991 were among women aged 30-34. The abortion rates among adolescents in 1981 and 1991 were 7.6/1000 and 4.6/1000, respectively.