Research Article
Late-Term Elective Abortion and Susceptibility to Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms
Table 2
Differences in variables surrounding the abortion experience based on abortion timing.
| Variables | Early Abortion (up to 12 weaks) | Late Abortion (13–30 weaks) | Significant Differences |
| Pregnancy desired | 28.0% | 39.2% | | Pregnancy desired by partner | 10.3% | 22.4% | | Respondent and partner supported the decision | 51.9% | 29.8% | | Partner pressured for abortion | 38.2% | 37.5% | | Someone else pressured for abortion | 30.5% | 47.8% | | Left partner before decision for abortion was made | 15.6% | 28.3% | | Partner did not know about abortion until afterwards | 12.5% | 23.9% | | Preabortion counseling received was adequate | 14.8% | 12.2% | | Information on alternatives was adequate | 17.4% | 13.7% | | Adequate information was provided on physical and emotional risks | 14.8% | 9.8% | |
| Reasons for abortion | | | | Mental health concerns | 56.8% | 40.8% | | Physical health concerns | 14.7% | 29.8% | | Financial concerns | 70.9% | 42.9% | | Concern that a child would interfere with education goals | 51.9% | 34.0% | | Concern a child would hinder career goals | 57.7% | 44.0% | | Did not want a larger family | 13.0% | 12.5% | | Concern regarding reactions of others to having a child | 69.1% | 62.0% | |
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