The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #66082

Pooja Bansil, MPH, NCCDPHP/OIIRM, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, 3005 Chamblee Tucker Road, Mailstop K54, Atlanta, GA 30341, 404 488 5679, pvb8@cdc.gov, M G Frontini, PhD, Health Statistics, Louisiana State Health Deparment, 325 Loyola Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112, and Amy Isabel Zlot, MPH, NCCDPHP/OIIRM, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy., N.E. MS-K54, Atlanta, GA 30341-3717.

INTRODUCTION: In 1999, the rate of late term abortions (>16 weeks) in Louisiana was estimated to be 8.2 percent. This figure is much higher than the national average of 5.8 percent. OBJECTIVE: To describe women who are more likely to have late term abortions. METHODS: Data from Induced Termination of Pregnancy Certificates as reported to the Louisiana Office of Public Health in 2000, was analyzed using logistic regression analysis to calculate the odds ratios of the risk factors associated with late termination of pregnancy. RESULTS: Of all the induced terminations reported to the State of Louisiana in 2000, 8.4 percent were classified as late induced termination of pregnancy. It was found that late termination of pregnancy was higher among women who are: African Americans, less than 20 years of age, unmarried and those attending high school. Furthermore, women with one living child, with two or more previous live births that resulted in death and who had one previous induced termination, were more likely to have a late term abortion. DISCUSSION: Disparities with respect to race, age, marital status and family size determined late abortions in this population. Results could be biased due to the under report of events. RECOMMENDATIONS: Late abortion is a pervasive public health problem for all women of reproductive age. More studies are needed to determine why these women wait to terminate their pregnancy in order to develop successful intervention programs to reduce the number of late terminations of pregnancy.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the session, participants will be able to:
• Recognize the difference between early and late termination of pregnancy and their implications
• Describe the profile of the female population having late term abortions
• Discuss strategies to reduce the rate of late terminations of pregnancy

Keywords: Abortion, Reproductive Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.