Psychological impact of abortion: methodological and outcomes summary of empirical research between 1966 and 1988.

A systematic "roadmap" through the medical literature that empirically examines the incidence of psychological sequelae of induced abortion is presented. Because outcome incidence rates and methodological profiles vary substantially across studies, selective use of articles from this literature without an accompanying rationale for that selectivity could foster erroneous conclusions. Information compiled here can facilitate a rapid methodological critique of citations in abortion-related materials. Investigations published in English between January 1966 and April 1988 that quantitatively examined psychological sequelae using prospective, retrospective, or comparative methodologies are summarized in tables to produce a synopsis of the demographics, methodological limitations, and gross statistical features of each article. This quantitative guide is designed to facilitate appropriate use of the current literature, provide needed background to assess positions arising from the currently available data, and provide methodological focus for planning better studies in the future.