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What is an
abortion? |
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Doctors may refer to miscarriages or
stillbirths as spontaneous abortions, which are a result of natural
causes, such as illness. Induced abortions are a direct result of a
procedure intended to end a pregnancy prematurely. These are also
called elective abortions. |
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A Few
Abortion Procedures:
SURGICAL:
Dilation
and Curettage (D&C) -- Most Common
within 6-14 weeks after last menstrual
period |
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The doctor opens the
cervix with a dilator or laminaria then inserts tubing into the
uterus and connects the tubing to a suction machine. The suction
pulls the fetus' body apart and out of the uterus. Sometimes the
doctor may us a curette, a loop-shaped knife, to scrape the fetal
parts out of the uterus. |
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Dilation
and Evacuation (D&E)
within 13-24 weeks after last menstrual
period |
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Because the fetus
doubles in size between the eleventh and twelfth weeks of
pregnancy, the body is too large to be broken up by sution and
will not pass through the suction tubing. Therefore, the cervix
must be opened wider. This done by inserting laminaria a day or
two before the abortion. The doctor then pulls out the fetal parts
with forceps. The fetus skull is crushed to ease removal. |
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Dilation
and Extraction (D&X) -- Partial
Birth
from 20 weeks after last menstrual period
to full-term |
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A three day procedure
which begins with dilating the cervix for two days and providing
medication for cramping. The third day, medication is given to
begin labor. The abortion doctor uses ultrasound to locate the
baby's legs and grasps one with forceps. The doctor delivers the
baby up to its head. Next, scissors are inserted into the base of
the skull to create an opening. A suction catheter is placed into
the opening to remove the skull contents. The skull collapses and
the baby is removed. |
MEDICAL:
Abortion
Pill RU486, Mifepristone
within 4-7 weeks after last menstrual
period |
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This medical abortion
is used for women who are within 30 to 49 days after their last
menstrual period. This procedure usually requires three office
visits. The RU486 or mifepristone pills are given to the woman who
returns two days later for a second medication called misprostol.
The combination of these medications causes the uterus to expel
the fetus. |
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Morning
After Pill Emergency Contraception
within 72 hours after intercourse
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This method involves
taking birth control pills that contain the hormones progestin and
estrogen. Kits generally contain a pregnancy test and 4 birth
control pills. Emergency contraceptives could work by inhibiting
or disrupting ovulation, interfering with fertilization or
transport of the fertilized egg, or inhibiting implantation of the
embryo. |
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Some
Possible Risks from Abortion:
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PHYSICAL
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EMOTIONAL
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| Heavy Bleeding |
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Guilt |
| Infection |
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Anger |
| Incomplete Abortion |
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Anxiety |
| Allergic Reaction to
Drugs |
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Depression |
| Tearing of the Cervix |
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Suicidal Thoughts |
| Scarring of the
Uterine Lining |
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Anniversary Grief |
| Perforation of the
Uterus |
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Flashbacks of Abortion |
| Damage to Internal
Organs |
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Sexual Dysfunction |
| Death |
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Relationship Problems |
| Future Pregnancies |
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Eating Disorders |
| Possible Link to
Breast Cancer |
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Alcohol & Drug Abuse |
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What if I've
already had an abortion? |
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Peer post-abortion help and support is
available to those who have already experienced an abortion. This
includes not only women but also men who have been touched by an
abortion. This help is non-judgmental and intended to assist
individuals with emotional healing and recovery from their experience
and what affect the abortion had or is having on their life.
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Would you like to talk to someone about this?
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You may contact the Pregnancy Resource Center to
discuss what you do know about abortion and obtain further information
to help you make an informed decision about your situation. You will
be listened to with respect, compassion and appreciation for the
situation that you are facing. |
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