Abortion
- Before You Decide
What
are you going to do? Is it possible that you're pregnant? Doubt, worry,
confusion and anger are overwhelming your every thought. What are you
going to do?
If you
are pregnant, and you hadn't planned for this, everything seems difficult...but
we want to help. Before you make any decisions, let us help you understand
the facts. You have every right to know...and it will ease your decision.
Though
things seem fatalistic now, please know that we are here to help you understand...
- your pregnancy
- the new life inside
you
- abortion
|
|
|
isn't
abortion a simple medical procedure?
what if my parents
want me to have an abortion? |
An
abortion is more than a simple medical procedure...it's not just a quick
doctor's visit. Many women have long-lasting, life-altering consequences...and
most of these women did not know the facts about abortion before the procedure.
If you are feeling
pressured to have an abortion, remember that this decision is one that
will affect you for the rest of your life. Try to explain your needs to
those who are involved in this decision, and help them understand as you
do. You are entitled to continue this pregnancy if you so choose.
|
Manual Vacuum Aspiration
- This surgical abortion
begins by stretching the cervix with metal rods (called dilators) to allow
the abortion instruments to enter the uterus. A syringe that is attached to
tubing acts as a vacuum to suction the fetus out of the body. This type of
abortion can be done until the 7th week of pregnancy.
Suction Curettage most
common
- This type
of abortion is the most common. The cervix is stretched again using dilators
or laminaria (sticks that are made from plants - are inserted into the cervix
hours before the procedure to widen the cervix to allow a the abortion instruments
to enter the uterus) and a vacuum removes the fetus by pulling it apart into
pieces. In one variation of this procedure (the D&C - Dilation and Curettage),
the remaining pieces of the fetus are scraped from the uterus using a loop
shaped knife called a curette. This procedure is performed until the fetus
reaches 14 weeks (3 1/2 months).
Dilation and
Evacuation (D&E)
- This procedure
is performed during the second trimester of pregnancy. Due to the rapid development
of the fetus in this trimester, the body will not break apart through suction.
The cervix must be widened in advance by inserting laminaria for one to two
days before the procedure. After the laminaria are removed, the fetus' skull
must be crushed to allow the body to be removed from the uterus using forceps.
This procedure is done through the 24th week of pregnancy.
Dilation and
Extraction (D&X) partial-birth
- Due to the
large size of the fetus, this procedure requires three days. The first two
days are required for proper stretching of the cervix. Because of the dilation
requirements, most women are given pain medication to lessen the cramping.
On the third day, labor is induced with the use of medicine. The abortion
doctor utilizes ultrasound to locate the child's legs. Using forceps, the
doctor then delivers the child up to the neck. Small scissors are inserted
into the baby's skull and the contents are removed with suction. When the
skull has collapsed, the baby is removed. This procedure is used until the
pregnancy nears full term.
RU486, Mifepristone
abortion pill
- This abortion
is used for women who are within 30 to 49 days of their last period. It requires
three office visits to administer medication. RU486 is the day one medication
(also called mifepristone). Upon return, medication called misprostol is administered.
The combination of these medications causes the uterus to expel the fetus
(similar to a miscarriage - with similar side affects: cramping, pain, bleeding).
immediate
risks of abortion |
|
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 he 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, here are some 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 prone
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.
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. |
| 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." |
|
|
Guilt
Anger
Anxiety
Depression
Suicidal Thoughts
Anniversary Grief |
Flashbacks
of Abortion
Sexual Dysfunction
Relationship Problems
Eating Disorders
Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Psychological Reactions |
|
