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Abortion

"Morning after or "emergency" contraceptive drugs that are taken within 72 hours of sex interfere with the release of eggs from the ovary or with fertilization, and so are not generally considered to be forms of abortion, though some groups (notably the Roman Catholic Church) consider them to be abortions, because they interfere with implantation of a zygote when taken later. (The medical definition of pregnancy requires that implantation has already occurred so, technically, emergency contraceptives do not interfere with pregnancy. The controversy arises when one considers that conception occurs before implantation. Some believe the zygote is a human being with the same moral standing of an implanted embryo before pregnancy technically starts.)

Table of contents

1 Methods of abortion 2 Possible side effects 2.1 Postabortion psychological problems 2.2 Postabortion physical problems 3 Abortion Law 4 Related topics 5 External links

Methods of abortion

Depending on the stage of pregnancy, an abortion is performed by a number of different methods. Chemical abortion is the usual method when it is induced before the first nine weeks. The procedure consists of administering either methotrexate or mifepristone (RU-486) followed by administration of misoprostol. Approximately 8% of these abortions require surgical followup.

In the first fifteen weeks, suction-aspiration or vacuum abortion is one of the most common methods, replacing the more risky dilation and curettage (D & C). Manual vacuum aspiration (MVE) consists of emptying the uterus by suction using a manual syringe. From the fifteenth week up until around the eighteenth week a surgical dilation and extraction (D & E) is used. D & E consists of opening the cervix of the uterus and emptying it using surgical instruments and suction.

Dilation and suction curettage consists of emptying the uterus by suction using a special apparatus. Curettage is cleaning the walls of uterus with a curette. Dilation and curettage (D & C) is a standard gynaecological procedure performed for a variety of reasons, such as examination.

As the fetus size increases, other techniques must be used to secure abortion in the third trimester. Premature expulsion of the fetus can be induced with prostaglandin; this can be coupled with injecting the amniotic fluid with saline or urea solution. Very late abortions can be brought about by the controversial intact dilation and extraction (D & X) or a hysterotomy abortion, similar to a caesarian section, and requiring the surgical decompression of the fetus's head before evacuation. (This is the procedure controversially termed "partial-birth abortion").

See also: Sex selective abortion, herbal contraception

Possible side effects

Postabortion psychological problems

Abortion has been associated with increased risk of depression. According to a study of 1,884 women conducted by the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, women who did not carry their first pregnancies to term are 65% more likely to be diagnosed with clinical depression around eight years later. However, other studies did not support that depression may be caused by abortion. For example, a study of 2,525 women revealed that women who had an abortion were more likely to report depression or lower satisfaction with their lives. However, they also often reported rape, childhood physical and sexual abuse, and violent partners. After controlling for the history of abuse, partner characteristics, and background variables, abortion was not related to poorer mental health (Denious, J. & Russo, N. F. (2000). The Socio-Political Context of Abortion and its Relationship to Women's Mental Health. In J. Ussher (Ed.). Women's Health: Contemporary International Perspectives (pp. 431-439). London: British Psychological Society.).

Postabortion physical problems

• Physical complications: studies found that the risk of serious physical complications of an abortion is less than 1%. The exact risk and type of complications depend on the abortion method.

• Breast cancer: an analysis of 53 epidemological studies undertaken in 16 countries did not find evidence of a relationship between abortion and breast cancer (Breast cancer and abortion. The Lancet, 2004;363;pg 1007).

Main Article: Abortion Law

Abortion has long been a controversial subject throughout history due to its moral and ethical implications. It has been regularly banned and otherwise limited, though illegal abortions have continued to be commonplace in many areas regardless of the legal status. Almost 2/3 of the world’s women currently reside in countries where abortion may be obtained on request or for a broad range of social, economic or personal reasons. Abortion laws vary widely by country, with some countries allowing nearly total liberalization, while others ban abortion under any circumstances.

Related topics

• Abortion in Australia
• Abortion in Canada
• Abortion in Finland
• Abortion in France
• Abortion in Germany
• Abortion in Ireland
• Abortion in the Netherlands
• Abortion in New Zealand
• Abortion in Sweden
• Abortion in the United Kingdom
• Abortion in the United States
• Fetal protection
• Morality and legality of abortion
• Religion and abortion
• Sexist parenting
• Selective reduction

• The Abortion Pill - Mifepristone

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