Receiving versus being denied an abortion and subsequent drug use

Some research finds women receiving abortions are at increased risk for subsequent drug use and drug use disorders. This literature is rife with methodological problems, mainly inappropriate comparison groups. This study uses data from the UCSF Turnaway Study, a prospective, longitudinal study of women who sought, but did not necessarily receive, abortions at 30 sites across the U.S.. The study includes women just above the gestational limit who were turned away from an abortion (Turnaway n=231), just below the limit who received an abortion (Abortion n=452), and who received a first trimester abortion (n=273). This study examines the relationship between receiving an abortion and subsequent drug use. Women receiving (Abortion) were compared to women denied abortions (Turnaways). Based on direction of findings from previous literature and expectation that women carrying pregnancies to term have extra incentive to stop use, we hypothesized that the Abortion group would have higher drug use than Turnaways. There were no differences in drug use before pregnancy recognition. 9% were using at one week, 8% at 6 months and at 1-year. More than half of drug users used marijuana only. Differences in drug use across study group were not statistically significant. Drug users carrying to term were more likely to surrender the child to adoption than women not using drugs (29% v. 7%). Findings suggest receiving abortion does not increase risk of drug use. Women denied abortions who use drugs and who want to raise their child may need additional support to stop drug use.