Scott RH, et al. - Three nationally representative population surveys [two National Surveys of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles, conducted in 2000 and 2010 (Natsal-2 and Natsal-3) in Britain, and the Fertility, Contraception and Sexual Dysfunction survey (FECOND) conducted in 2010 in France] were examined for the extent of underreporting of abortions via comparing survey rates with routine statistics, in order to investigate the ways in which survey methodology and cultural context might influence reporting of abortion. Natsal-2, which collected data on abortion using a direct question, showed no underreporting. Evidence of underreporting in Natsal-3 and FECOND were gained; data on abortion was collected through a pregnancy-history module in both of these surveys. The extent of underreporting between Natsal-3 and FECOND did not differ, although these differed with regard to survey methodology (self-administered module in Natsal-3, telephone interview in FECOND) and country context. These findings support the possible higher efficacy of a direct question in eliciting reports of abortion than a pregnancy-history module.