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Abortion Procedures:
The following is a description of the various types of surgical
and chemical abortion procedures performed in the United States.
- The Abortion Pill, Medical Abortion, RU-486 (Mifepristone)
The Abortion Pill, Medical Abortion, RU-486 (Mifepristone) is
a chemical method of inducing abortion. It is taken only when
a woman is pregnant, up to seven weeks after
the beginning of her last menstrual period.
The drug works by blocking progesterone, a crucial hormone during
pregnancy. Without progesterone, he uterine lining does not provide
food, fluid and oxygen to the developing fetus.This procedure
requires three visits to the abortion provider. During the first
visit a dosage of Mifepristone is taken. Then, two days later,
a second drug is taken that stimulates the uterus to contract
and expel the fetus. Finally, 12 more days later a follow-up examination
is required to ensure the fetus has been expelled.
According to one manufacturer, bleeding and cramping are normal
occurrences with this procedure. Side effects may include nausea,
headache, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue and back pain.
Additionally, one out of 100 women requires surgical intervention
to stop heavy bleeding. 1
- Suction-Aspiration:
In this method, the cervical muscle ring is first paralyzed and
stretched open. A hollow plastic tube with a sharp edge is inserted
into the uterus. Suction is used to remove the fetus, and the
placenta is cut from the uterine wall.
- Dilation and Curettage
(D&C):
This procedure is similar to suction-aspiration, though rather
than a suction tube this method relies on a sharp loop-shaped
steel instrument called a curette. The curette is inserted into
the uterus and the fetus and placenta are scraped away. Bleeding
can be very heavy with this method.
- Dilation and Evacuation
(D&E):
This type of abortion is done after the third month of pregnancy.
First, the cervix is dilated. Then, Laminaria sticks (made of
sterilized, compressed seaweed) are commonly inserted into the
cervix. When inserted the Laminaria sticks absorb moisture and
expand, causing the cervix to enlarge. A pliers-like instrument
is inserted through the cervix into the uterus and used to tear
away parts of the fetus. Once outside the womb, the fetus may
then be reassembled to ensure all body parts have been removed.
- Prostaglandin:
Prostaglandin is a hormone that is used to induce labor in mid
and late term pregnancies. To prevent a live birth, the fetus
may be injected with drugs and killed prior to delivery.
- Dilation and Extraction
(D&X):
These procedures typically take place over three days, use local
anesthesia and are associated with increased risk to life and
health of the mother. This procedure can be performed for 20 weeks
to full term. On the first day, under ultrasound guidance, the
fetal heart is injected with a medication that stops the heart
and causes the fetus to die. Also over the first two days the
cervix is gradually stretched open using laminara. On the third
day, the amniotic sac is burst and drained. The remainder of the
procedure is similar to the D&E procedure described earlier.
Consider the Risks of Abortion
Side effects may occur with induced abortion, whether
surgical or by pill. These include abdominal pain and cramping,
nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Abortion also carries the
risk of significant complications such as bleeding, infection, and
damage to organs. Serious complications occur in less than
1 out of 100 early abortions and in about 1 out of every 50 later
abortions. Complications may include: Heavy bleeding - Some bleeding
after abortion is normal. However, if the cervix is torn or
the uterus is punctured, there is a risk of severe bleeding known
as hemorrhaging. When this happens, a blood transfusion may be required.
Severe bleeding is also a risk with the use of RU486. One
in 100 women who use RU486 requires surgery to stop the bleeding.
- Infection – Infection can
develop from the insertion of medical instruments into the uterus,
or from fetal parts that are mistakenly left inside (known as
an incomplete abortion). A pelvic infection may lead to
persistent fever over several days and extended hospitalization.
It can also cause scarring of the pelvic organs.
- Incomplete Abortion - Some fetal
parts may be mistakenly left inside after the abortion. Bleeding
and infection may result.
- Sepsis – A number of RU486
or mifepristone users have died as a result of sepsis (total body
infection).
- Anesthesia – Complications
from general anesthesia used during abortion surgery may result
in convulsions, heart attack, and in extreme cases, death.
It also increases the risk of other serious complications by two
and half times.Damage to the Cervix - The cervix may be cut, torn,
or damaged by abortion instruments. This can cause excessive
bleeding that requires surgical repair.
- 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 may be required, including removal
of the uterus (known as a hysterectomy).
- 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
rare, but is real.
More Abortion Information:
www.abortionfacts.com
www.abortionrecovery.org
www.afterabortion.org
www.medinstitute.org |
