Induced 1st trimester abortion in Denmark 2007 (Updated April 5, 2008)

Responsible: Christina H Vestergaard and Øjvind Lidegaard

5.1  Medically and surgically induced 1. trimester abortions in Denmark
          1998-2007. N = 150,143

Same in per cent

Comments: The total number of induced 1. trimester abortions has been rather stable since
year 2000. The share of medically induced abortions has increased from 2% in 1998 to 41%
in year 2007.

5.2  Induced 1. trimester abortions in DK 1998-2997 according to gestational age.
          N = 150,143

Same in per cent

Comments: At the same time as the proportion of medically induced abortions has increased,
women attend our clinics earlier today than before. Now more than half of all induced abortions
are done before 8 weeks of gestation. In 1998 less than 25% was done before 8 weeks. As
compared with other countries (e.g. Sweden) our induced abortions are conducted on average 1-2
weeks earlier.

5.3  Medical and surgical abortions at Danish Gynaecological departments 2007

Same in per cent

Comments: There are still major differences in the proportion of medically induced abortions at
different departments in Denmark. Sønderborg has the highest per cent of medical induction (58%).
At the other side of the spectrum Hvidovre has 18% medical inductions. It is hardly differences
in the populations belonging to the different hospitals which explain these differences, rather diffences in
attitudes and opinions between the professional staffs.
Note that private hospitals and private practice now conduct 6.5% of all induced 1. trimester abortions.

5.4  Evacuation rate (%) after medically induced first trimester abortions in
          Denmark 2000-2007. Gestational age 4+0 - 8+6. N = 38,027, n = 1,697
          Figures at bottom in each column indicate absolute number of evacuations.

Comments: The evacuation rate has been rather stable through the last seven years.
During this period, the majority of departments changed the medical regimen from
600mg to 200mg mifepristone. This change has not changed the efficacy significantly.

5.5.  Evacuation rate (%) after medically induced abortions with GA less
           than 9 weeks at different Gynaecological departments in 2007.
           N = 6,086, n = 319   Absolute number of evacuations indicated at bottom.

Comments: 16 of 20 departments fulfull a standard of less than 8% evacuated after medical abortion.

5.6  Re-evacuation rate (%) after surgical 1. trimester abortions in DK 1998-2007.
           N = 112,116,  n = 2,361 Absolute number of re-evacuations indicated at bottom of columns

Comments: The re-evacuation rate after surgical abortion is now 1.9%, which is less
than half of the risk of evacuation after medically induced first trimester abortion.