Correlates of repeat abortions and their spacing: Evidence from registry data in Spain

Abstract: Using administrative data on all induced abortions recorded in Spain in 2019, we analyze the characteristics of women undergoing repeat abortions and the spacing between these procedures. Our findings indicate that compared to women experiencing their first abortion, those who undergo repeat abortions are more likely to have lower education levels, have dependent children, live alone, or be foreign-born, with a non-monotonic relationship with age. We also report that being less educated, not employed, having dependent children, or being foreign-born are all strongly related to a higher number of repeat abortions. Lastly, we find that being less educated, foreign-born, or not employed is correlated with a shorter time interval between the last two abortions.