Table 2

Events attributed to have caused baseline PTSS

Among women with PTSS, %
Near-limits abortionFirst-trimesterTurnaway-birthTurnaway-no-birthTotalAmong women at risk of PTSD (n=139)Among all women (N=863)
Source of PTSS(n=155)(n=101)(n=63)(n=19)(n=338)n (%)n (%)
Violence, abuse or unlawful activity2539*32213061 (44)101 (12)
 Sexual, physical or emotional abuse, including sexual assault (not partner)111617111423 (17)46 (5)
 Intimate partner violence711611829 (14)28 (3)
 Witnessing or loved one experiencing a violent event, including suicide or violent death5980713 (9)23 (3)
 Unlawful activity or violent fight (not partner)5720410 (7)15 (2)
Non-violent relationship issues221821212023 (17)69 (8)
 Partner (eg, divorce, breakup, partner jail time)151411211517 (12)49 (6)
 Family or friend7513078 (6)24 (3)
 Problem substance use of loved ones (family, friend, partner)120012 (1)36 (4)
Index pregnancy-related event211417321919 (14)64 (7)
 Abortion experience or decision148516118 (6)36 (4)
 Pregnancy experience3513566 (4)19 (2)
 Others’ reaction to pregnancy/abortion, reminded of abortion320523 (2)7 (<1)
 Index pregnancy result of rape200512 (1)4 (<1)
Non-violent death/illness of a loved one181410161522 (16)51 (6)
Personal health-related issues including substance use and mental health8550610 (7)20 (2)
 Emotional/mental health issues623044 (3)13 (2)
 Drug/alcohol abuse310013 (2)5 (<1)
 Illness/other022013 (2)3 (<1)
Prior pregnancy or abortion experience473043 (2)15 (2)
Concerns about children, parenting, custody issues535047 (5)13 (2)
Financial/job/housing insecurity426544 (3)13 (2)
Accident550547 (5)13 (2)
Other4581668 (6)19 (2)
  • *p<0.05 when compared to Near-limit abortion group.

  • PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder; PTSS, post-traumatic stress symptoms.