Women’s decision-making related to induced abortion–a cross sectional study during a period of Covid-19 pandemic, in Sweden

Objectives: To investigate women’s decision-making on induced abortion. Materials and methods: A multi-centre cross-sectional survey among 623 abortion-seeking women in Sweden (2021). The perceived difficulty to decide on abortion was measured using a 7-point Likert scale, and analysed with univariate and multivariate analysis (odds ratios [OR], 95% confidence intervals [CI]). Results: About half (n = 322;52%) scored 1–4, suggesting the decision was perceived as easier compared to those (n = 292;48%) who scored 5–7. Reasons for the abortion were: poor economy (n = 166;27%), too early in the relationship (n = 154;25.1%), want to work first (n = 147;23.9%), want to study first (n = 132;21.5%), uncertain about the relationship (104;16.9%), and too young (n = 104;16.9%). Predictors for perceiving the decision as difficult: partner’s hesitance (OR = 3.18, CI:1.76–5.73), being born outside the Nordic countries (OR = 2.23, CI:1.28–3.87), having discussed the decision with someone (OR = 2.42, CI:1.67–3.50), age ≥30 (OR = 2.22, CI:1.03–4.76), the Covid-19 pandemic (OR = 2.08, CI:1.20–3.59), and the desire to have children in the future (OR = 1.96, CI:1.18–3.28). After confirmed pregnancy, poor mental well-being was more common among those who scored 5–7 (n = 140;47.9%) compared to those who scored 1–4 (n = 122;37.9), p =.029. Conclusion: Women’s decision-making on abortion is complex; in times of crises, the decision procedure may be even more difficult. This valuable knowledge could be used to improve and promote satisfactory counselling beyond medical routines.