What Is Abortion?

An abortion is a termination of a pregnancy. It stops the baby from continuing to grow and develop. In many cases, this is done through by medical professionals and the majority of abortions are completed in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. When someone is considering this decision, counseling is often an important part of the process. The decision can be made for a number of reasons and often not made lightly. The decision and counseling process is best explored in greater depth at another time.

This article will explore the types of abortion that can occur and what kinds of methods are considered medically safe.

Types of Abortion

When we talk about abortion, a lot of assumptions are made about the type of abortion that is being discussed. Most people make the assumption that there is only one type of abortion but there are actually three. There is therapeutic abortion, elective abortion, and spontaneous abortion.

Therapeutic abortion is usually performed in cases where there is a significant or life-threatening risk to the woman, the fetus, or both. Sometimes these are also performed if it is confirmed that the baby will be born with a severe genetic disorder or potentially fatal disease. This type of abortion is considered primarily based on these types of health concerns.

Elective abortions are ones that are a matter of personal choice. Typically the choice doesn't include any of the medical reasons that would be considered for a therapeutic abortion. Factors that could fall into this category are pregnancies that are the products of rape or accidents. Other factors that can be considered include financial, life hardships, or simply the choice not to be a parent. This type is usually the one most people think of when they think of abortions.

Spontaneous abortions are when the fetus is rejected by the body due to natural causes, an injury, or an accident. Usually, they occur without medical intervention and they are often referred to as a miscarriage.

Abortion Methods

When a medical intervention is required, there are two methods that can be used depending on the age and complications of the pregnancy. The first is an Early Medical Abortion (EMA).

An EMA is an option available up to the first nine weeks (or 63 days) of the pregnancy. This method brings about a miscarriage very similar to a spontaneous abortion. Two medications are used for an EMA that are taken two days apart. If the pregnancy is less than seven weeks (or 49 days) it may be possible to take both on the same day.

The medications are taken at the clinic and then the person is sent home. They are likely to experience heavy bleeding and cramps at the time of the miscarriage. It's a good idea that the person has someone with them for support. This procedure is usually between 97%-99% successful. A final visit to the clinic for blood work is usually required.

The second method is a surgical abortion. These can be done up to twelve weeks and six days into the pregnancy. Surgical abortions require a stay at the clinic for one to three hours even though the procedure can take as little as three to five minutes.

Medicine is often given to help with pain. Some people report it being quite painful while others report not feeling anything. The procedure is usually 99% effective and can be repeated if it fails. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled for two weeks after the procedure.

Get the Facts About Abortion

No matter how you feel about abortion, whether or not it is something for you, it's important that we learn the facts about it. As with other aspects of sexual education, it's the things that we don't know that can impact our choices. Stay educated and continue to expand your knowledge.

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