• Liana Ples, Ina Popescu, Iulia Margarit, Cringu Antoniu Ionescu, Anca Cazaceanu, Marius Alexandru Moga, Mihai Popescu, Dana-Rodica Tomescu, and Romina-Marina Sima.
• Department of Obstetrics and Ginecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Bucharest, Romania.
• J Eval Clin Pract. 2020 Apr 1; 26 (2): 484-488.

Rationale, Aims, And ObjectivesIt is estimated that 25% of pregnancies worldwide end in induced abortion. In Romania, the abortion situation shows a specific pattern. Following the fall of the communist regime, first-trimester abortions were legalized, and between 1990 and 1992, the country's abortion rate was the highest in the world, with 182 abortions per 1000 women of reproductive age. However, there are currently no statistically reliable data, as some abortions are not reported. The purpose of this study was to identify the main circumstances that determine the choice to undergo abortion with all related potential risks, rather than using contraception.MethodWe conducted a prospective type 1 cohort study based on a Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Statement that included women who presented at Bucur Maternity, Saint John Hospital, Bucharest, for abortion during the first trimester, between July and December 2018. The patients were asked to complete a 21-item questionnaire based on psychosocial data.ResultsThe study included 119 patients, with a mean age of 29.57 years. Their educational level was average (ie, 51.3%, 4.2%, and 8.4% had completed high school, elementary school, and college or university, respectively). Most women were married (46.2%), and 47.9% were unemployed. The main reason for deciding to undergo an abortion was poverty (P = .014), and guilt was correlated with this decision (P = .004).ConclusionThe profiles of the women who chose to undergo an abortion as a family planning method were as follows: in the third decade of life, resident of urban areas, married, unemployed, and with a low family income. The main reasons for abortion were financial status, advanced maternal age, incompatibility of pregnancy with future plans, and the desire to postpone conception.© 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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