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Abortion is not just a simple medical procedure. For many women, it is a
life changing event with significant physical, emotional, and spiritual
consequences. Most women who struggle with past abortions say that they wish
they had been told all of the facts about abortion. The following
information will help you understand more about abortion procedures and
abortion side-effects and risks.
Morning After
Pill (MAP): within 72 hours of sexual intercourse
Also known as “Emergency Contraception,” this procedure consists of a
pregnancy test and two doses of pills. The woman first must take a pregnancy
test and receive a negative test result before taking the pills. If a
negative test result occurs from the pregnancy test, then the woman is
instructed to take the first dose of the MAP. Note: a negative result
indicates that the woman is probably not pregnant from intercourse during
her previous monthly cycle, but it will not show whether or not she just
became pregnant (from intercourse the “night before”). She is instructed to
take this first dose as soon as possible, but not more than 72 hours after
intercourse. The woman takes a second dose 12 hours after the first dose. If
conception already occurred within the 72 hour time frame (that is the
“night before”), the life is expelled. This is an early abortion.
RU486, Mifepristone: within 4 to 7 weeks
after LMP
Also known as the Abortion Pill, this medical abortion is used for women who
are within 28 to 49 days after their last menstrual period. This procedure
usually requires three office visits. The RU 486 or mifepristone pills are
given to the woman who returns two days later for a second medication called
misoprostol. The combination of these medications causes the uterus to expel
the fetus.
Early Vacuum Aspiration: within 7 weeks
after LMP
This surgical abortion is done early in the pregnancy up until 7 weeks after
the woman's last menstrual period. The cervical muscle is stretched with
dilators (metal rods) until the opening is wide enough to allow the abortion
instruments to pass into the uterus. A hand held syringe is attached to
tubing that is inserted into the uterus and the fetus is suctioned out.
Suction Curettage: within 6 to 14 weeks
after LMP
In this procedure, the doctor opens the cervix with a dilator (a metal rod)
or laminaria (thin sticks derived from plants and inserted several hours
before the procedure). The doctor 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. One variation of this procedure is called
Dilation and Curettage (D&C). In this method, the doctor may use a curette,
a loop-shaped knife, to scrape the fetal parts out of the uterus.
Dilation and Evacuation (D&E): within 13 to
24 weeks after LMP
This surgical abortion is done during the second trimester of pregnancy.
Because the developing fetus doubles in size between the thirteenth and
fourteenth weeks of pregnancy, the body of the fetus is too large to be
broken up by suction and will not pass through the suction tubing. In this
procedure, the cervix must be opened wider than in a first trimester
abortion. This is done by inserting laminaria a day or two before the
abortion. After opening the cervix, the doctor pulls out the fetal parts
with forceps. The fetus' skull is crushed to ease removal.
Dilation and Extraction (D&X): from 20 weeks
after LMP to full-term
Also known as Partial-birth Abortion, this procedure takes three days.
During the first two days, the cervix is dilated and medication is given for
cramping. On the third day, the woman receives medication to start labor.
After labor begins, the abortion doctor uses ultrasound to locate the baby's
legs. Grasping a leg with forceps, the doctor delivers the baby up to the
baby's 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.
Some side effects may occur with
induced abortion. These include abdominal pain and cramping, nausea,
vomiting, and diarrhea. In most abortions, no serious complications occur.
However, complications may happen in as many as 1 out of every 100 early
abortions and in about 1 out of every 50 later abortions. Such complications
may include:
Heavy Bleeding
- Some bleeding after abortion is normal. There is, however, a risk of
hemorrhage, especially if the uterine artery is torn. When this happens, a
blood transfusion may be required.
Infection - Bacteria may get into the uterus from
an incomplete abortion resulting in infection. A serious infection may lead
to persistent fever over several days and extended hospitalization.
Incomplete Abortion - Some fetal parts may not be
removed by the abortion. Bleeding and infection may occur. RU486 may fail in
up to 1 out of every 20 cases.
Allergic Reaction to Drugs - An allergic reaction
to anesthesia used during abortion surgery may result in convulsions, heart
attack and, in extreme cases, death.
Tearing of the Cervix - The cervix may be cut or
torn by abortion instruments.
Scarring of the Uterine Lining - Suction tubing,
curettes, and other abortion instruments may cause permanent scarring of the
uterine lining.
Perforation of the Uterus - The uterus may be
punctured or torn by abortion instruments. The risk of this complication
increases with the length of the pregnancy. If this occurs, major surgery,
including a hysterectomy, may be required.
Damage to Internal Organs - When the uterus is
punctured or torn, there is also a risk that damage will occur to nearby
organs such as the bowel and bladder.
Death - In extreme cases, other physical
complications from abortion including excessive bleeding, infection, organ
damage from a perforated uterus, and adverse reactions to anesthesia may
lead to death. This complication is very rare and occurs, on average, in
less than 20 cases per year.
Abortion and
Breast Cancer
Medical experts are still researching and debating the linkage between
abortion and breast cancer. However, a 1994 study in the Journal of the
National Cancer Institute found: "Among women who had been pregnant at least
once, the risk of breast cancer in those who had experienced an induced
abortion was 50% higher than among other women." Here are more important
facts:
1) Carrying a pregnancy to full term gives protection against breast cancer
that cannot be gained if abortion is chosen.
2) Abortion causes a sudden drop in estrogen levels that may make breast
cells more susceptible to cancer.
3) Most studies conducted so far show a significant linkage between abortion
and breast cancer.
Effect on Future Pregnancy
Scarring or other injury during an abortion may prevent or place at
risk future wanted pregnancies. The risk of miscarriage is greater for women
who abort their first pregnancy.
Emotional Impact
Some women experience strong negative emotions after abortion.
Sometimes this occurs within days and sometimes it happens after many years.
This psychological response is known as Post-Abortion Stress (PAS). Several
factors that impact the likelihood of Post-Abortion Stress include: the
woman's age, the abortion circumstances, the stage of pregnancy at which the
abortion occurs, and the woman's religious beliefs.
Post-Abortion Stress Symptoms
- Guilt
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Suicidal Thoughts
- Anniversary Grief
- Flashbacks of Abortion
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Relationship Problems
- Eating Disorders
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse
- Psychological Reactions
Spiritual Consequences
People have different understandings of God. Whatever your present
beliefs may be, there is a spiritual side to abortion that deserves to be
considered. Having an abortion may affect more than just your body and your
mind -- it may have an impact on your relationship with God. What is God's
desire for you in this situation? How does God see your unborn child? These
are important questions to consider.
You have the legal right to
choose the outcome of your pregnancy. But real empowerment comes when you
find the resources and inner strength necessary to make your best choice.
Here are some other options.
Parenting
Choosing to continue your pregnancy and to parent is very
challenging. But with the support of caring people, parenting classes, and
other resources, many women find the help they need to make this choice.
Adoption
You may decide to place your child for adoption. Each year over
50,000 women in America make this choice. This loving decision is often made
by women who first thought abortion was their only way out.
Help Is Available
Facing an unexpected pregnancy can seem overwhelming. That is why knowing
where to go for help is important. Talk to someone you can trust - your
partner, your parents, a pastor, a priest or perhaps a good friend. Also,
the caring people at your pregnancy center are available to help you through
this difficult time. To find a pregnancy center near you, call
1-800-395-HELP.
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