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) $n=307$	Late Abortion (13–30 weaks) $n=52$	Significant Differences
Pregnancy desired	28.0%	39.2%	$P=.106$
Pregnancy desired by partner	10.3%	22.4%	$\mathit{P}=.\mathit{018}$
Respondent and partner supported the decision	51.9%	29.8%	$\mathit{P}=.\mathit{006}$
Partner pressured for abortion	38.2%	37.5%	$P=.928$
Someone else pressured for abortion	30.5%	47.8%	$\mathit{P}=.\mathit{021}$
Left partner before decision for abortion was made	15.6%	28.3%	$\mathit{P}=.\mathit{039}$
Partner did not know about abortion until afterwards	12.5%	23.9%	$\mathit{P}=.\mathit{043}$
Preabortion counseling received was adequate	14.8%	12.2%	$P=.637$
Information on alternatives was adequate	17.4%	13.7%	$P=.513$
Adequate information was provided on physical and emotional risks	14.8%	9.8%	$P=.342$
Reasons for abortion
$(\text{i})$ Mental health concerns	56.8%	40.8%	$\mathit{P}=.\mathit{040}$
$(\text{ii})$ Physical health concerns	14.7%	29.8%	$\mathit{P}=.\mathit{011}$
$(\text{iii})$ Financial concerns	70.9%	42.9%	$\mathit{P}=.\mathit{0001}$
$(\text{iv})$ Concern that a child would interfere with education goals	51.9%	34.0%	$\mathit{P}=.\mathit{021}$
$(\text{v})$ Concern a child would hinder career goals	57.7%	44.0%	$P=.073$
$(\text{vi})$ Did not want a larger family	13.0%	12.5%	$P=.930$
$(\text{vii})$ Concern regarding reactions of others to having a child	69.1%	62.0%	$P=.323$