A NEW study has revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly influenced reproductive decisions in Southern Sweden, leading to a decline in births and shifts in abortion rates across different age groups. The research, published in BMJ Open, analysed data from the Skåne Healthcare Register and examined trends in deliveries and induced abortions before and during the pandemic.
The study, which included 129,131 deliveries and 38,591 abortions recorded between January 2013 and November 2021, used an interrupted time series design to assess the impact of the pandemic. The results showed a notable drop in birth rates during the pandemic period. Compared to expected figures had the pandemic not occurred, the number of deliveries decreased by 7% (relative risk [RR] 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.89 to 0.98).
The analysis also found a decline in the overall number of abortions, but this trend was not uniform across all age groups. Among women aged 25 and older, abortion rates were significantly lower than expected during the pandemic. However, in women younger than 25, abortion rates increased, suggesting that younger individuals may have faced greater economic uncertainty or changes in access to contraception and reproductive health services.
The findings align with global reports indicating that major public health crises and economic downturns often lead to reduced birth rates, as individuals and couples may delay childbearing due to financial uncertainty or concerns about healthcare access. The differing trends in abortion rates by age group suggest that younger women may have faced unique challenges in maintaining pregnancy during the pandemic, while older women possibly delayed pregnancy due to heightened health concerns or instability.
While the study provides key insights into the pandemic’s impact on reproductive decisions, further research is needed to explore the long-term consequences of these shifts, particularly on population demographics and healthcare systems. The researchers highlight the importance of maintaining accessible reproductive health services during global crises to ensure individuals can make informed choices about pregnancy.
Aleksandra Zurowska, EMJ
Reference
Thacher JD et al. Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on births and induced abortions in Southern Sweden: a register-based study. BMJ Sex Reprod Health. 2025;51:9-17.
