The Effect of Artificial and Spontaneous Abortions on the Secondary Human Sex Ratio

Document Type

Article

Authors

G D. Golovachev, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Leningrad
V I. Allipov, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Leningrad
L N. Novikova, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Leningrad
A I. Taptunova, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Leningrad

Abstract

Seventy-two thousand labor histories for a period of several years from 5 different obstetrical institutions of two geographical regions of the Soviet Union were sub­jected to retrospective analysis. Significant influence of preceding induced abortion on the sex ratio is shown. In all five samplings the total sex ratio among primi- and multiparae with no abortions in anamnesis was 106.8♂:100♀. When infants are born within 1 year, 1-2 years, 2 years and more after an artificial abortion the sex ratio is: 76:4♂:100♀ (p < 0.001); 91.2♂:100♀ (p < 0.001); 125.2♂:100♀ (p < 0.001) respectively. Spontaneous abortions do not affect the sex ratio. Preponder­ance of female infants after an artificial abortion may be explained by selective survival of female embryos connected with heterosis by X-chromosome.

Recommended Citation

Golovachev, G D.; Allipov, V I.; Novikova, L N.; and Taptunova, A I. (1980) "The Effect of Artificial and Spontaneous Abortions on the Secondary Human Sex Ratio," Human Biology: Vol. 52: Iss. 4, Article 12.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/humbiol/vol52/iss4/12