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Abortion is the ending of pregnancy, by removing the embryo or fetus outside of the uterus before it is able to survive on its own.
Abortions can be spontaneous or induced. Spontaneous abortions are also known as miscarriages and often occur before the 20th week on their own (usually within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy).
• According to some studies 1 in 4 pregnancies end in abortion.
• About 1.1 million abortions are performed in U.S every year.
• It has been estimated that the rates of abortion in U.S are among the highest when compared to other developed countries.
• Women under the age of 25 are the one who are more likely to abort a child. 51% of abortions are performed on women younger than 25 years old.
• It has been also estimated that 1 in 3 women over the age of 45, have had an nyc abortion at least once in their life. 50% of women who decide to have an abortion, have already had an abortion in the past.
• In U.S abortion affects more black and Hispanic women.
There are various abortion methods available today. Some of them include:
• Dilatation and Evacuation – is performed in pregnancies up to 18 weeks and not after it. The baby is removed from the uterus, with the help of a forceps which is inserted inside of the uterus in order to grab and evacuate it.
• Dilatation and Curettage – is an abortion method used until 12 weeks of pregnancy. First the cervix is dilated, followed by an insertion of a Curette which helps cut the body of the fetus into pieces. The uterine wall is scraped in order to remove the placenta and all the tissue of the embryo. Suction is mostly used in order to remove the baby’s pieces from the uterus.
• Dilatation and Extraction – is an abortion method performed during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. This method is banned in the U.S
• Hysterectomy – is an abortion method used during the third trimester of pregnancy. Along with the dead baby, the uterus is also totally removed for various medical reasons.
• Suction Abortion – is the most common abortion method which is used until the 12th week of pregnancy. First, the cervix is dilated, followed by insertion of a suction curette inside of the uterus. The strong suction will tear the baby’s body from the uterus.
• Saline Injection – is an abortion method which is usually used in pregnancies from the 4th – 7th month. A saline solution is injected into the baby’s amniotic fluid, causing the death of the baby.
• RU-486 – is a synthetic steroid which blocks the hormone progesterone. This method is usually used until the 7th week of pregnancy.
Like any other medical procedure, even abortion has its own risks and possible complications. However, if the procedure is performed by a competent medical professional in a known and well established abortion clinic, the chances of complications are very low.
Complications include:
• Heavy bleeding
• Damage to the cervix or the vagina
• Scarring of the uterine lining
• Infection
• Endometritis
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Incomplete abortion
• Perforation of the uterus, bladder or rectum
• Damage to the internal organs, etc.
The above mentioned complications are possible medical complications. However, in some cases women have a problem dealing with the fact that they have aborted a child. A feeling of guilt accompanied by depression sometimes occurs. These emotional problems and difficulties that a woman might have after an abortion often interfere in the relationship with the partner/spouse causing real relationship problems. Sleep disorders, eating disorders, sexual dysfunction and even suicidal thoughts are possible.
