Udviklingen i provokerede aborter i Danmark frem til 1995

This study presents a review of the trend in the Danish abortion rate, with a view to prevention campaigns and introduction of electronic registration of abortions through the National Patient Registry. The number of induced abortions has been decreasing steadily since 1975; abortion on demand up to the end of 12th gestational week has been permitted by law in Denmark since 1973. The lowest number ever was registered in 1994 and 1995, corresponding to a rate of 13.7 per 1.000 women aged 15-49 years. The number per 1.000 liveborn decreased from 277 in 1993 to 253 in 1994. The relative number of abortions was highest among women aged 20-29 years, and in the capital area. Since 1993 the health authorities have strengthened campaigns to reduce the number of unplanned pregnancies, primarily focusing on younger women and with special programs in the capital area. The reduction for these groups could point to a success of the prevention campaigns, although the rates of terminated pregnancies might be influenced by many other factors.