A retrospective study of patients seeking pregnancy advice, January 1971 to June 1974

Summary

This is a retrospective study of 1754 patients seen at the Brook Pregnancy Advice Service (Avon) in the 3½ years January 1971 to June 1974; 1653 patients were referred for termination of pregnancy. The ages of the patients ranged from 13 to 44 years; the age peak was 19 years. Most patients attended between the 7th and 10th weeks of pregnancy; the peak was at 8 weeks. The majority of patients from outside the clinical area were referred for abortion privately. Patients from within the clinical area were referred to the NHS slightly more often than privately. There is a delay of 2–4 weeks for an NHS gynaecological appointment and a further 1–4 weeks before termination. Private patients are seen within 7 days and their abortions are performed within a few days. Patients from within the clinical area are more likely to return to the clinic for follow-up. There is a considerable fall-off in the continuation of follow-up for all patients returning to the clinic.