A NEW study published by researchers at Southampton University has revealed some of the reasons women have late abortions.

Researchers considered the experiences of 883 women who had abortions when they were between 13 and 24 weeks into their pregnancies - known as the second trimester.

They found women had a wide variety of reasons, including not immediately realising they were pregnant, their concerns about having an abortion and delays in making a decision because of relationships with partners or parents.

Of the women surveyed, 41 per cent said they were unsure about having an abortion and it took some time to make up their minds.

The university study also found that there were delays after an abortion was requested.

Prof Roger Ingham, director of the centre for sexual health research at the university and lead author of the research, said the study was the most detailed of its type.

"It has provided information and evidence about an under-researched area.

"The findings indicate that while it is important to keep improving the early abortion service, changes in this area will have a limited effect for the incidence of second-trimester abortion, simply because many women who terminate pregnancies in the second trimester do not realise they are pregnant until they are more than 13 weeks pregnant.

"The results indicate a need for improved education to encourage a greater awareness of women's fertility, and an encouragement to earlier testing if a pregnancy is suspected."

The findings of the study will be unveiled today at a seminar for health professionals and abortion service providers.