Attitudes towards abortion in Italian women: socio-economic trends and epidemiological features

Purpose of investigation: The aim of this study was to analyze trends and attitudes towards abortion in Italian women in the last decades. Materials and Methods: The authors analyzed number, socio-economic trends, and major clinical-epidemiological features of induced abortion in Italy (1980-2009). Results: Up to 1996 abortion rates were higher among married women, but from 1996 to 2009 they were higher among single women. The reduction of abortions has been observed in all age-groups, except in women from 15 to 19 years of age. Abortions were higher among younger women, women without previous abortions, nulliparous women, women with junior and senior high school diplomas (2005-2006), women with an academic degree (2007-2009), and professional women. Conclusion: In Italy, despite the decrease of the abortion rates, voluntary termination of pregnancy is still present and the spread of contraception is scarce. More information about contraception is necessary to help lower the incidence of both unintended pregnancy and abortion.