Abortion

Abortion is when a pregnancy ends early by removing or expelling an embryo or fetus. The word abortion usually means an induced abortion, which is when someone takes steps to end a pregnancy on purpose. When a pregnancy ends without any action, it is called a spontaneous abortion or “miscarriage.” This happens naturally in many pregnancies.

When done legally and safely, induced abortion is one of the safest medical procedures. Modern methods use medicine or surgery to end a pregnancy. Medicine such as mifepristone is safe and effective early in pregnancy. Self-managed medicine methods are also safe early in pregnancy. The most common surgery involves using a suction device. Birth control such as contraceptive pills can be used after an abortion. When performed safely, an induced abortion does not cause long-term physical problems.

However, unsafe abortions done by people without proper training or in unsafe conditions can be very dangerous and lead to serious health problems. The World Health Organization says that access to legal and safe abortion care is important for good health. Making safe abortion legal and available helps protect women’s health.

There is debate about abortion around the world. Some people oppose abortion for moral or religious reasons. Others support abortion's legality because they believe it is a woman’s reproductive right. Abortion laws differ in different countries. In some places, abortion is legal for any reason. In others, it is only legal in special cases.

Historically, people have tried to end pregnancies using herbal medicines, or other traditional methods.

Types

An induced abortion is a medical way to end a pregnancy. When people talk about "abortion," they usually mean induced abortion. The way it is done depends on how far along the pregnancy is, and also on laws and what the woman and her doctor decide.

Abortions can be done for medical reasons, like to keep the woman safe, or for personal reasons that are not medical.

A miscarriage, also called a spontaneous abortion, is when a pregnancy ends on its own before the 24th week. Most miscarriages happen very early, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. Problems with the embryo are a common reason, but other health issues or injuries can also cause it.

Methods

Medical

Main article: Medical abortion

Not to be confused with Emergency contraception.

Medical abortions use special medicines to end a pregnancy. These medicines became common in the 1970s and 1980s. The most common way uses a medicine called mifepristone with another medicine called misoprostol. This method works well and is often used early in pregnancy. It is used in many countries.

Surgical

Up to 15 weeks of pregnancy, surgical abortions are often done using suction to end the pregnancy. This can be done with a small syringe or an electric pump. Another method, called dilation and curettage, opens the cervix and removes tissue. Later in pregnancy, a method called dilation and evacuation is used, which also involves suction and special tools.

Labor induction abortion

In some places, abortions are done by starting labor to end the pregnancy. This method is used more in some countries than in others. It can be used from about 13 weeks of pregnancy until later stages.

Other methods

Historically, some people have used special herbs to try to end pregnancies. However, these herbs can be very dangerous and are not recommended. Some people have also tried other unsafe methods, which can cause serious harm and are not recommended.

Safety

The health of an abortion depends on how and where it is done. The World Health Organization describes unsafe abortions as procedures done by people without proper training or in places without good medical standards. Legal abortions in developed countries are among the safest medical procedures.

Abortion is usually safer than continuing a pregnancy. For example, in the United States, the risk of death after an abortion is lower than after giving birth. The safety of abortion also depends on how far along the pregnancy is, with earlier abortions being safer.

Safety of abortion methods

In early pregnancies up to 10 weeks, there is little difference in safety between medical abortion (using medicines) and surgical abortion (using a small vacuum).

Safety and gestational age

Vacuum aspiration in early pregnancy is the safest surgical method and can be done in different settings like offices or clinics. Rare problems can include infection or issues with the uterus. Infections are one of the causes of death related to abortions. Antibiotics are often given before surgery to help prevent infection.

Mental health

Research shows no link between most abortions and mental health problems, except for those expected with any unwanted pregnancy. Women who have abortions in early pregnancy usually do not have more mental health issues than those who continue with the pregnancy. However, women denied an abortion may feel more worried afterward.

Unsafe abortion

Main article: Unsafe abortion

When abortion is restricted by law, women may try to end pregnancies unsafely, leading to health problems. Unsafe abortions happen mostly in developing countries. Making abortion legal and improving access to medical training and reproductive health services can help reduce unsafe abortions.

Incidence

There are two main ways to measure how often abortions happen:

• Abortion rate – the number of abortions each year for every 1,000 women aged 15 to 44.
• Abortion percentage – the number of abortions compared to every 100 known pregnancies, which includes births, abortions, and miscarriages.

Many abortions happen each year around the world. The number can be different in different countries. Some places have fewer abortions, while others have more. Using birth control correctly can help prevent unintended pregnancies.

Better birth control options can help lower the number of abortions.

Motivation

People choose to end a pregnancy for many reasons. Some cannot afford to raise a child, feel too young, or face difficult situations at home. Others want to finish school or build their careers. In some cases, the pregnancy is very hard because of serious problems, like rape or health risks.

Society can also affect this choice. Some people feel pressure because of cultural norms or lack of support. Health concerns for the mother or the baby can also be a reason. For example, if a mother becomes very ill during pregnancy, doctors might suggest ending it to protect her health.

Main article: Population control

Main articles: Roe v. Wade, Doe v. Bolton

Main article: Cervical cancer

History

Main article: History of abortion

Abortions have been done for a very long time. People used different ways to end a pregnancy, like special plants, tools, and old healing methods. Many ancient places, such as China, India, Egypt, and the Roman Empire, knew about abortion. Ideas about abortion have changed a lot over time, and rules about it are different in different countries. Some countries allowed abortion in the 1900s, but others kept strict rules against it.

Religion

Main article: Religion and abortion

Different religions think about abortion in different ways. In the Catholic Church, abortion has been seen as wrong since the 1800s, especially from the moment of conception. In Judaism, abortion is allowed if a woman's life is in danger because the fetus is not considered to have a human soul until birth.

In Islam, abortion is usually only allowed up to a certain time in pregnancy, based on when Muslims believe the soul enters the fetus. Hindu views on abortion can vary, but many see it as morally wrong, though there are exceptions to save the mother's life. Some Christian groups, like the United Methodist Church and the Episcopal Church, support abortion rights with some limits.

Society and culture

Further information: Societal attitudes towards abortion

Abortion debate

Abortion has been debated for a long time. People have different views based on their values. They think about fetal rights, government roles, and women's rights.

Some groups want stricter laws against abortion and call themselves "pro-life." Others want fewer restrictions and call themselves "pro-choice."

Modern abortion law

See also: History of abortion law debate

Laws about abortion are different in each country. Beliefs and cultures shape these laws. In places where abortion is legal, there are rules about when and how it can happen.

Some countries have very strict laws against abortion but allow exceptions in certain cases. In places where abortion is banned, women sometimes travel to other countries for the procedure.

Sex-selective abortion

Main article: Sex-selective abortion

With modern technology, parents can sometimes learn the sex of a baby before birth. This has led some parents to end a pregnancy if the baby is not the sex they want. Many countries have made laws to stop this practice and work to reduce inequality between genders.

Anti-abortion violence

Main article: Anti-abortion violence

Some people who oppose abortion have used violence against clinics and workers. Laws in some countries aim to protect access to abortion services and prevent such violence. These laws create safe zones around clinics and punish those who try to stop people from getting abortions.

Non-human examples

Further information: Miscarriage

See also: Miscarriage § animals

Many animals can lose pregnancies naturally. In sheep, stress or activity can cause this. In cows, diseases like brucellosis or certain plants can lead to pregnancy loss, but vaccines can help. Horses may lose a fetus if it has special genetic conditions.

In dogs, viruses can cause pregnancy loss. Cats can lose pregnancies due to hormonal issues. Sometimes, veterinarians help pregnant cats by ending the pregnancy to prevent unwanted litters, especially in trap-neuter-return programs. Rodents may end their pregnancies if they smell a new male.