Post Abortion IUD & Recurrent Abortion 2001-2004
Post Abortion IUD & Recurrent Abortion 2001-2004
It has been shown that the immediate insertion of intrauterine devices (IUDs) post-abortion
 prevents repeat abortions. The researchers hypothesize that providing free IUDs post-abortion
 will be associated with a lower rate of repeat abortion in a Canadian population. Further,
 the researchers hypothesize that providing free IUDs post-abortion will be associated with
 decreased costs for the health care system.
The researchers intend to demonstrate whether there are statistically significant differences
 in the rates of repeat abortions between three groups: 1. women choosing to have an
 intrauterine device (IUD) inserted immediately post-abortion, 2. those choosing to begin oral
 contraceptives immediately post-abortion, and 3. all other choices for post abortion
 contraception including those stating an intention to obtain contraceptives at a later time
 or from an alternate location or to use no contraception. This data will then be used to
 conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis of health system provision for cost-free IUDs
 post-abortion.

 The researchers will conduct a retrospective observational cohort study by chart review. The
 researchers propose to review the charts of 600 women undergoing abortions between January 1,
 2001 and December 31, 2004 at Kelowna General Hospital's Women's Services Clinic. The
 researchers will record the following data from each chart: age, parity, gestational age,
 date of index therapeutic abortion (TA), dates of subsequent TAs, contraception used at the
 time of the index conception, contraceptive method chosen post-abortion, and outcome of
 follow-up at two weeks, such as expulsion of IUD. The researchers will also record the
 recurrent pregnancy rates.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Female resident of Interior Health region seeking an abortion between January 1, 2001
 and December 31, 2004

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Women undergoing abortions for fetal genetic abnormalities