September 2009 Shah Metanalysis
Shah P. et al. Induced termination of pregnancy and low birth weight and preterm birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis BJOG 2009;116(11):1425-1442
Overview: Dr. Prakesh Shah’s BJOG Abortion-Preemie Meta-Analysis 21 September 2009 Using data from 37 prior published APB studies Dr. Shah [4] reported:
• One induced abortion increases the risk for Pre Term Birth (<37 wks) in a subsequent pregnancy by 36% (RR 1.36)
• Two or more induced abortions increases that risk by 93% (RR 1.93—nearly double).
• One induced abortion increases the risk of Low Birth Weight (<5 _ pounds) by 35%, and more than one induced abortion increases that risk to 72%.
• Low-birth weight babies are at increased risk for serious health problems as newborns, lasting disabilities and even death.