Abortion’s Impact on Prematurity: Closing the Knowledge Gap

This article analyzes the evidence for induced abortion’s impact on future premature births. Over the last two decades, the percentage of preterm deliveries has risen 20 percent. Preterm birth does not have a single identifiable cause, but it has been associated with a number of factors. The association of abortion with preterm birth is consistently stronger than the association of preterm birth and maternal smoking. Objective review of the literature not only establishes the strength of the abortion and preterm birth association, it also reveals that prior abortion satisfies criteria as a probable cause, though not the only cause, for a future preterm birth. The abortion-preterm birth association is new to many, despite the fact that the literature regarding this link is large and stronger than that for other commonly accepted associations with prematurity, e.g. smoking. The gap in public knowledge that currently exists, and the prevalence of abortion mandates that those concerned with public health take steps to inform women and their partners about the risks abortion poses for a future preterm births.