Medical Considerations

Abortion By: Ursula Hein Slaggert, BSN

Just what is abortion? According to Webster, abortion is defined as "any expulsion of a fetus before it is able to survive, especially if induced on purpose." From the medical standpoint, this term includes both induced abortions and spontaneous abortions (miscarriages), with spontaneous abortions further subdivided into threatened, inevitable, incomplete, or complete. In today’s society, however, the term "abortion" has virtually lost its several medical connotations and refers almost exclusively to the intended, induced procedure, while unintended loss of the development infant is referred to as a miscarriage.

The size of the development infant dictates the method of abortion. Some physical and emotional consequences are inherent in the procedures themselves. Other effects depend on factors such as the duration of the pregnancy at the time of the abortion, the technique used, any preexisting health complications, and any previous abortions.

Physical risks common to all abortions:

If severe, these complications could lead to death. Always seek the advice of a physician regarding your own personal health, risks, etc. This information here is just a general guideline. We are not a medical facility.

Short range complications include the following:

*internal bleeding, hemorrhage, shock

*blood clots (limbs, heart, lungs, brain)

*infections, blood poisoning

*allergic reactions to drugs

*transfusion complications (i.e. serum hepatitis)

Long range complications include the following:

*nervous itching, recurring hives

*headaches, backaches

*stomach and abdominal cramping and other disorders

*the pain experienced causes some individuals to avoid pregnancy in the future

*reduced fertility, infertility

*problems in subsequent pregnancies (such as miscarriage, premature births)