Abortion has always been a very controversial and debatable topic like mercy killing etc. It always has an emotional side to make one feel guilty. But it is not only a question of choice but also a need sometimes. Many a times, giving birth to a deformed brain or a handicapped child would be much difficult or a circumstance where either of them could be saved. But not going deep into this debate, the further information shall be on the procedure.
Termination of pregnancy is the removal or expulsion of a fetus or embryo from the uterus. The termination can happen either by spontaneous abortion or by induced abortion. An abortion induced to preserve the health of the gravida (pregnant female) is termed a therapeutic abortion, while an abortion induced for any other reason is termed an elective abortion. The term abortion most commonly refers to the induced abortion of a human pregnancy, while spontaneous abortions are usually termed miscarriages.
A therapeutic abortion is said to be performed when it is done to save life of the pregnant women, to maintain woman's mental or physical health, when the child would be born with congenital disorder or selectively reduce the number of fetus in case of multiple pregnancy. When the abortion is done for reasons other than this, it is known as elective abortion. Every year, around 46 million women receive an abortion worldwide, 1.3 million in USA.
Abortion can be done either medically or surgically; while pharmaceutical drugs are the medical options, operations are for the latter one. The former includes abortion pills, also known as morning after pills. In cases of failure of medical abortion, vacuum or manual aspiration is used to complete the abortion surgically.
The suction-aspiration or vacuum abortion method should be resorted to in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Induced abortion can be done by suction by manual syringe or by an electric pump. Dilation and curettage (D&C) is the second most common method of surgical abortion. Surgical decompression of the fetus's head before evacuation is called "partial-birth" abortion which is done in the later stages of pregnancy.
Complications in abortions can happen when it is performed by unskilled individuals, with hazardous equipment, or in unsanitary facilities carrying a high risk of maternal death. It not only has physical but also mental health. Depression and guilt could be two major forces deteriorating the mental health. But with top medical services and advanced technology, there are negligible chances of complications. Women generally find it difficult to deal with the stress and guilt after abortion they suffer from depression and an emotional upheaval. Therapists, support groups, counselors or priests can be of great help in dealing with the physical, emotional and spiritual ramifications.
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