Abortion - medical Health Article

Definition

A medical abortion is the use of certain medications to end a pregnancy. The drugs help remove the fetus and placenta from the mother's womb (uterus).

There are different types of medical abortion.

Sometimes the woman has one for a health reason. This is called a therapeutic medical abortion.

Other times, she chooses (elects) to end the pregnancy. This is called an elective medical abortion.

See also:

• Miscarriage
• Surgical abortion

Alternative Names

Therapeutic medical abortion; Elective medical abortion; Induced abortion

Description

A medical, or nonsurgical, abortion can be done within 7 weeks from the first day of the woman's last menstrual period. A combination of prescription hormone medicines are used to help the body remove the fetus and placenta tissue. The doctor may give you the medicines after performing a physical exam and asking questions about your medical history.

Medications used to end an early pregnancy include mifepristone, methotrexate, misoprostol, prostaglandins, or a combination of these medications. Most women who use medication do so because of a desire to avoid anesthesia and surgery.

Indications

There are several reasons a medical abortion might be considered:

• The developing baby has a birth defect or genetic problem
• The pregnancy is harmful to the woman's health (therapeutic abortion)
• The pregnancy resulted after a traumatic event such as rape or incest
• The woman may not wish to be pregnant (elective abortion)

The decision to end a pregnancy is very personal. Most health care providers recommend careful counseling before making such a decision.

Abortion is a controversial issue. A woman who chooses to end a pregnancy may feel she cannot share her decision with others. Therefore, it is important for her to identify those who may help her through what may be a difficult time.

Women who are trying to make this difficult decision should find a safe place in which they can obtain counseling regarding all options for pregnancy resolution.

If a woman chooses to have an abortion, she should find a safe place to have the procedure performed and obtain the proper support and follow-up care afterwards.

Risks

Risks of medical (nonsurgical) abortion include:

• Continued bleeding
• Diarrhea
• Fetus not passing completely from body, making surgery necessary
• Nausea
• Pain
• Vomiting