4.3.4 Reproductive traits and medical abortion
Previous studies have provided robust genetic evidence of risk
associations between sexual intercourse at an early age[32], having
more sexual partners, and a higher risk of major depressive
disorder[33]. Intriguingly, studies have found that increased
genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia affects increased numbers of
sexual partners, suggesting that schizophrenia susceptibility increases
mating success in the wider population and may reflect potential
reproductive success[34, 35]. Hence, reproductive traits factors may
play a non-negligible role in induced abortion. We found that AFS, AFB,
LNSP were causally associated with MA, and that LNSP were associated
with MA independently of EA and HI, furthermore AFB mediated in
education to reduce MA.
Conclusions
Our findings provided strong genetic evidence for a reverse causation of
HI, EA, AFS, and AFB with MA, as well as a positive causation of SB and
LNSP with MA. AFB played a mediating role in the causal link between EA
and MA. These results may provide a strong guiding value for
strengthening public health services and safeguarding women’s
reproductive health.