Terminating a Pregnancy

Spontaneous Abortion

See Miscarriage.

Induced abortion

An abortion can be induced in a variety of ways, including chemically and surgically.

Reasons for aborting

A woman (or couple) may choose to end a pregnancy for many reasons. These include:

• The mother's life is in danger if the pregnancy continues
• Circumstances are such that supporting a child is difficult or impossible (for example, the parents may be very young)
• The fetus has been diagnosed with genetic or congenital defects
• It has been determined by a doctor that the fetus has died in utero
• Elective reduction of a multiple pregnancy

Procedures

Abortion

In the first trimester, a vacuum abortion can be performed, emptying the uterus via either Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA abortion), using a manual syringe, or Electric Vacuum Aspiration (EVA abortion), using an electric pump.

Chemical abortion

The chemical abortion method is also an option in the first trimester. A drug is given to induce abortion. In some cases, doctors must follow up with surgery.

Dilation & Evacuation (D&E)

After the first trimester, the cervix must be dilated before suction can be used to empty the uterus.

Dilation & Curettage (D&C)

This procedure may be used for purposes other than abortion. A curette (a spoon-shaped instrument) is used to clean the uterine walls.

Dilation & Extraction (D&X)

This procedure is used in the third trimester. It is rarely performed, as most doctors attempt to induce labor instead. Also called partial-birth abortion, D&X is a highly controversial procedure.

Risks

Any surgery carries risks, though a properly performed abortion during the first 16 weeks of pregnancy rarely causes harm to the woman.

In rare cases, the following may occur:

• Perforated uterus
• Septic shock
• Hemorrhage
• Sterility
• Death

Both sides

Abortion is a highly controversial subject. The abortion debate rages in the news and in the courts. In 1973, the Supreme Court determined that a woman has the right to terminate a pregnancy (Roe v. Wade).

Alternatives

One alternative to abortion is adoption.

Resources

If you are considering abortion, these sites may help you in your decision:

• Planned Parenthood
• Abortionfacts.com
• National Abortion Federation
  

If you are considering adoption, these sites may help you in your decision:

• Adopting.org

• Giving Your Baby Up
• Adoption Information and Resources

Discussion

Abortion is a very personal and often agonizing decision. Share your experiences here.