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Interview follow-up of abortion applicant dropouts

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Summary

Twenty-seven women who sought abortion and then elected to carry to term were studied. Follow-up telephone interviews between their 24th and 34th weeks of gestation were done by a team of social workers and a psychiatrist experienced in seeing women seeking abortion. Five of the six most important decision-influencing factors are discussed and illustrated by case examples. These included: religious or moral objections; partner desires baby; fear of procedure; single, getting married; and response to family's push for abortion. The fourth dominant reason, abortion equated with loss of part of self, is discussed in relation to other factors. Implications for abortion counseling are noted.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Ct., USA

    Mary E. Swigar, Ruth Breslin, Miriam G. Pouzzner & Donald Quinlan

  2. Community Health Care Center Plan, New Haven, Ct., USA

    Marilyn Blum

Authors
  1. Mary E. Swigar
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  2. Ruth Breslin
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  3. Miriam G. Pouzzner
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  4. Donald Quinlan
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  5. Marilyn Blum
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Swigar, M.E., Breslin, R., Pouzzner, M.G. et al. Interview follow-up of abortion applicant dropouts. Soc Psychiatry 11, 135–143 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00579312

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00579312

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