The Colorado Story: Denver General Hospital Experience with the Change in the Law on Therapeutic Abortion

It is concluded that few clinical guidelines exist and a major clinical subtype among those reported—unemancipated teen-agers—requires more adequate study and special consideration, and the lower socioeconomic groups continue to underutilize therapeutic abortion.

Abstract

Cautious implementation of Colorado's newly liberalized abortion law has obviated initial fears that the state might become an "abortion mecca." Denver General Hospital, a typical public hospital which had rarely performed therapeutic abortion, now has a major involvement in this procedure. In this report of early experience with the new law, the authors conclude that few clinical guidelines exist. A major clinical subtype among those reported—unemancipated teen-agers—requires more adequate study and special consideration. The lower socioeconomic groups continue to underutilize therapeutic abortion. A registry is planned to standardize information and provide the basis for further objective studies.