Background & Objectives: Induced and unhealthy abortion is common condition in the worldwide, particularly in developing countries as Iran which accompanies with maternal mortality and morbidity. The aim of this study was to obtain the prevalence, risk factors and complications of induced abortion.

  Methods : A retrospective study was conducted in 1200 women, who referred to health centers of Ardabil. The eligible participants were included by random sampling. We used a prepared questionnaire with questions on demographic characteristics, pregnancy history and contraception methods. To determine the validity and reliability of questionnaire the content validity and re-test methods were used respectively. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS software (pakage 16) using t-test and chi-square.

  Results: The prevalence of induced abortion was 8.3%. The main reason was represented having desired number of children. Other reasons were economic hardship situation, low pregnancy interval, undesirable fetus gender, parents age, academic education and occupation of mother and increased duration of being married (p<0.0001). The complication of induced abortion were vaginal bleeding (70/5%), bleeding and infection (7/4%), and hospitalization (49/5%).

  Conclusion: According to the results of this research it is expected that authorities and health personnel detect the high risk group of society and present necessary education and individual consultations to more awareness and change their attitude and beliefs on acute complication resulted from induced abortion.