Increase of Repeat Abortion in France: The Mirror Effect of Social Changes? Results from the 2007 National Survey of Abortion Patients

Nathalie Bajos, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM)
France Prioux, Institut National d'Études Démographiques (INED)

Introduction This paper explores the factors associated with the increase of repeated abortions and draws particular attention to the socio-demographic and contraceptive characteristics of women undertaking more than one abortion. Methods The data are drawn from national abortion statistics and from a nationally representative survey of 8,245 abortion patients in France in 2007. Results The proportion of women having a repeated abortion increased from 12% in 1980 to 35% in 2007. Women over 25, not living in a couple, with no private assurance, born in Sub-Saharan Africa, were more likely to report an abortion in the past. Women who had a repeated abortion were as likely to use a method of contraception than others. Conclusion The increase of repeated abortions over time seems to relate to the difficulty of managing contraception throughout a more diversified sexual life rather than difficulties of access to contraception,