Abortion
Choosing an abortion is a difficult decision. At the Tri-Cities Pregnancy Network, we understand the circumstances and the emotions which lead many women to choose abortion. It's important that you understand abortion procedures and risks before you make any decision. Many of our volunteers have dealt with women who have chosen abortion, and some can relate from personal experience.
When you visit the Center, you'll find understanding, not judgment or condemnation, in a confidential setting.
Many women, over 80% in some polls, choose abortion out of fear -- fear of not being able to raise a child, fear of losing their partner and fear of losing control over their lives. It's that fear that our peer counselors can help you address. You're pregnant ... and while that may seem like an obstacle or something to be afraid of, you are not alone.
Abortion Procedures
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 dilator s (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.
Abortion Risks
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 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.
Other Risks of Abortion
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:
- Carrying a pregnancy to full term gives protection against breast cancer that cannot be gained if abortion is chosen.
- Abortion causes a sudden drop in estrogen levels that may make breast cells more susceptible to cancer.
- 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
After Abortion
After an abortion, many women report severe emotional problems. As they process their guilt and grief, the problems are so common that they have been termed "Post-Abortion Stress." This disorder describes a woman's need to process the fear, anger, sadness and guilt surrounding her abortion, grieve the loss of her baby, and come to peace with God, herself, and others involved in the abortion decision.
Symptoms of Post-Abortion Stress (PAS):
- Guilt - feeling that she had broken her own moral code
- Anxiety - an unpleasant emotional and physical state of apprehension such as tension, dizziness, pounding heart, irritability, headaches, and upset stomach
- Psychological "numbing" - to avoid future painful situations by trying to keep her emotions on a flat level to avoid experiencing neither highs nor lows
- Depression and thoughts of suicide - a mood filled with sadness, hopelessness, sudden and uncontrollable crying episodes, sleep problems, changes in appetite, sexual disturbances or lack of motivation
- Anniversary syndrome - increased PAS symptoms around the time of the anniversary of the abortion and/or the due date of the aborted child
- Re-experiencing the abortion - sudden distressing, recurring flashbacks of the abortion episode triggered by a routine gynecological exam, the suction sound of a vacuum cleaner, or nightmares
- Preoccupation with becoming pregnant again - many women become pregnant within one year of their abortion, the new pregnancy is often called the "makeup baby"
- Anxiety over fertility and childbearing issues
- Interruption of the bonding process - with present and/or future children: not allowing herself to become properly bonded to another pregnancy because of fear of loss, or trying to make up by becoming the "perfect mother"
- Survival guilt - overcompensating to try and make up for being the survivor
- Development of eating disorders
- Alcohol and drug abuse
- Other self-punishing or self-degrading behaviors
Post-Abortion Recovery Support
If you could be suffering from Post-Abortion Stress, The Center offers a post-abortion recovery program called H.E.A.R.T. ( Healing Encouragement for Abortion Related Trauma) to help women process their feelings of past abortions in a safe and loving environment. The HEART groups focus on working through denial, dealing with anger, and receiving forgiveness from God to bring hope and healing for women whose lives have been affected by post-abortion stress.
Call our confidential voicemail at 509-545-4499 or email us for more information about when groups will be starting.
For more information:
Stand Up Girl
Parenting
Choosing to keep your baby is an important decision and a responsibility that TCPN supports with a variety of programs and services.
Adoption
One of the more difficult situations a woman can face is an unplanned pregnancy, especially if she is young and single.
Sexual Health
Learn more about sexual health and how to protect yourself.
Healthy Relationships
Learn more about A.W.A.R.E., Worth Waiting For, Girl's 180 Club, and our Teen Boutique.