Condition: Since 1980, the number of legal induced abortions reported to CDC has remained fairly stable, varying each year by < or = 5%.
Reporting period covered: This report summarizes and reviews data received by CDC for legal induced abortions obtained in 1990.
Description of system: For each year, CDC compiles abortion data received from 52 reporting areas: 50 states, New York City, and the District of Columbia.
Results: In 1990, 1,429,577 abortions were reported--a 2.4% increase from 1989. The abortion ratio for 1990 was 345 legal induced abortions per 1,000 live births, and the abortion rate was 24 per 1,000 women ages 15-44 years. Most women undergoing abortions were young, white, and unmarried; most had had no previous live births and were having the procedure for the first time. Approximately half of all abortions were performed before the 8th week of gestation, and 87% were before the 13th week of gestation. Younger women were more likely to obtain abortions later in pregnancy than were older women.
Interpretation: Since 1980, the national number (and rate) of abortions has remained relatively stable, with only small (< or = 5%) year-to-year fluctuations. However, since 1984, the national abortion ratio has declined; in 1990, the abortion ratio was the lowest recorded since 1977. Increasing rates of childbearing may account for some of this decline.
Actions taken: The number and characteristics of women having abortions are needed from all states to furnish an accurate characterization of legal induced abortion in the United States and to assist efforts to identify and reduce preventable causes of morbidity and mortality associated with abortions.