Abortion - An Overview

What Is Meant by Abortion?

Abortion is a procedure that is done to end the pregnancy. It is also called the termination of pregnancy. The termination of a pregnancy can be done either by taking medications or through a surgical procedure. There are two types of abortion.

• Medical Abortion: In this procedure, medications are used to end the pregnancy.

• Surgical Abortion: In this type, a procedure is performed to eliminate the pregnancy from the uterus.

Why Do Some People Consider Abortion?

There are many reasons why people decide to abort, but it is completely a personal choice, and it is a very difficult decision to make. Some reasons why people consider abortion are

• Due to unplanned pregnancy.

• Financial conditions.

• Abusive relationship.

• Maybe it is not the right time to have a baby.

• Personal choice of not wanting to have a baby.

What Is Meant by Medical Abortion?

In medical abortion, prescribed medications are used by the women to end the pregnancy at the early stages. Two medications are used, where one is used to prevent the production of progesterone while the other is used to cause cramps and bleeding to clean and empty the stomach. Medical abortion is a non-surgical procedure done to end the pregnancy in the first trimester. Beyond the first trimester, the doctor may recommend surgical abortion.

When Can a Woman Get a Medical Abortion?

The Federal Drug Administration approves certain drugs to be safe for medical abortion for up to ten weeks of gestation. Laws that govern abortion vary in different states. The state law will determine whether the person can have an abortion. In some states, medical abortions are legal where:

• The doctor can prescribe the medication used for abortion.

• The type of visits to receive the medication.

• What is done during each visit?

Who Are the People Who Are Not Eligible for Medical Abortion?

Before starting the procedure, discussing any medical history with the doctor is important. Medical abortion is considered less safe if

• The pregnancy is beyond the first trimester.

• The person is allergic to the prescribed medication.

• Presence of ectopic pregnancy (where the pregnancy occurs outside the uterus).

• Long-term use of corticosteroids.

• Presence of intrauterine device (IUD).

• If one has any clotting conditions, anemia, or chronic adrenal failure.

• When one does not have access to emergency care.

What Is Meant by Surgical Procedure?

A surgical abortion is a medical procedure performed to terminate a pregnancy. A surgical procedure is chosen for those people who want to complete their abortion in the hospital or a clinical setup, whereas medical abortion is performed at home.

Usually, a surgical procedure is performed using a general suctioning technique called vacuum aspiration. It is a five- to ten-minute procedure, and the person will be asked to stay at the hospital for a few hours. Surgical abortion is considered if the person is longer into the pregnancy, whereas medical abortion can be regarded as if the person is in their first trimester. But how long into pregnancy abortion can be considered depends on the laws of the state.

Why Surgical Abortion Is Chosen Over Medical Abortion?

Some reasons why surgical abortion is considered over medical abortion are

• Gestational Age: Medical abortion will not be very effective if the pregnancy period is beyond ten weeks.

• Procedure Time: Surgical abortion is a very simple and not time-consuming procedure done at the hospital or clinic, whereas medical abortion usually takes 24 hours and needs to be done at home.

• Medical Staff: Some people prefer abortion to be done under the supervision of a doctor or nurses rather than performing it at home.

• Confirmation: After the surgical abortion is complete, the doctor will examine the uterus to make sure the procedure is done properly.

• Medical History: People with medical conditions like bleeding disorders usually prefer the abortion to take place at the hospital.

How Does Medical and Surgical Abortion Different From Each Other?

In the case of surgical abortion, a simple suction is used to eliminate the contents of the uterus. It is the most effective abortion procedure, and in rare events where the procedure is not complete, it can be repeated. In the case of medical abortion, a combination of medicines is used, which helps in the abortion process and removes the contents of the uterus. The abortion pill is not as effective as surgery, and it works only for those pregnancies which are nine weeks or less. If medical surgery is unsuccessful, it can be done through surgical methods.

When Can Abortion Be Carried Out?

Usually, abortion is done before 24 weeks of pregnancy. Abortion can be carried out after 24 weeks, but it is done only in very few cases, like if the mother’s life is in danger or the child is born with a very severe disability. Before performing an abortion, an ultrasound will be performed by the doctor to see how long the pregnancy has gone. Abortions are safer the earlier they are done.

What Are the Risk Factors Related to Abortion?

Abortion is a safe procedure that is performed with less pain. Abortions are safe if it is performed as early as possible. Most women will not have any risk factors, but some can face complications. Some of the common risk factors are

• Occurrence of infection in the uterus.

• Presence of some of the pregnancy in the womb when the procedure is not properly done.

• Excessive bleeding during the procedure.

• Cause of damage to the uterus or the entrance of the uterus.

If the complications continue, then future treatment or surgery will be recommended. But abortion will not impact the chance of getting pregnant again.

When to Consult a Doctor?

Complications related to abortions are very few, but the person should consult a doctor immediately if the following symptoms occur,

• Passing of blood clots in a bigger size for more than two hours.

• Presence of heavy bleeding.

• Presence of foul-smelling vaginal discharge.

• Fever.

• Suppose pain and cramps do not get better with time, especially when it continues for more than two days.

• Presence of pregnancy symptoms after one week of abortion.

Conclusion

Abortion is a procedure done to end or terminate the pregnancy. It is usually done through two methods: medical abortion and surgical abortion. Medical abortion is done with the help of medications and can be performed only before ten weeks of pregnancy. In contrast, the surgical method is a procedure done to end the pregnancy at the hospital. There are many reasons why people consider abortion, but the law of abortion varies in different countries. Before deciding on an abortion, a detailed consultation with the doctor is required.