[Abortion on demand. Descriptive and quantitative study of psychological and psychosocial aspects].

A pilot study investigated 66 women (mean age: 27 years) before or after abortion with a standardised questionnaire in a center for family planning in Bobigny, a northern suburb of Paris. The results were compared to a former study about spontaneous abortion (n = 156) in Regensburg (Germany). More than half of the women were from the oversea departments, Africa and Northern Africa. 30% were foreigners and 75% unmarried. 48% had repetitive abortions. However gynaecological and obstetrical complications were low. The undesired pregnancies were in link with discontinued contraceptive protection of the two partners and low male participation. After the abortion feelings of release and short perturbations were predominant and depressive reactions significantly less frequent than after spontaneous abortion. Serious disorders were rare.