AbortionOn Average 1.37 Million are performed each year in the United States

45 Million plus since 1973

Reasons women choose abortions:

Postpone childbearing 25.5% Cannot afford a baby 21.3% Relationship Issue or partner does not want a child

14.1% Too young (parents object to pregnancy) 12.2% Feels child would disrupt education or career 10.8% She has all the children she wants 7.9% Fetus has a health problem 3.3% Mother’s health is in jeopardy 2.8% She was a victim of rape or incest 1.2%

Statistics

Of those having abortions 52% are younger than 25 and 19% are teenagers. Highest for those 18-19.

More than half of the teenagers who choose abortion have talked to at least one parent about the situation.

88% of all abortions take place within the first trimester. Illinois is one of 7 states in the U.S. that does not require

females under 18 years old to get parental permission for the abortion. (AK,CA,NM,NJ,MT,NV)

Most women who choose abortions are under 25 and unmarried.

47% of abortions are performed on women who have already had at least one or more abortions.

World Statistics

61% of the world population (54 countries) legalized abortion

39% of the world population (97 countries) abortions are illegal

There are about 46 million abortions conducted each year. Twenty million are done illegally.

Medical Abortions

oral medication up to 49 days after the last period.

STEP 1

Injection of Methotrexate or Mifepristone in tablet form.– METHOTREXATE- stops the pregnancy in the

uterus– MIFEPRISTONE- (RU-486) blocks the hormone

progesterone which will cause the lining of the uterus to break down

STEP 2

Take MISOPROSTOL which causes the uterus to contract and empty.

STEP 3

Follow up with doctor. Ultrasound or blood test need to be done to make sure abortion is complete.

Things to know about Medical Abortions

With METHOTREXATE about 50% of women have abortion the same day of injection. Another 40% happen within the next week. The whole process takes up to 14 days.

With MIFEPRISTONE about 10% of women have the abortion before taking MISOPROSTOL. Most others will have it within 4 hours of taking MISOPROSAL.

Medical abortions with METH are about 90% effective, with MIFE about 92-95% effective.

If medical abortion is unsuccessful, surgical will be preformed.

Surgical Abortions

Done one of three ways.

Menstrual Regulation or Menstrual Aspiration

Done within first two weeks of missed period. During procedure the uterus is emptied using a

gentle suction of a syringe. Not widely available due to high risk of an

incomplete procedure.

Risks of this procedure

Embryo is so small it can be missed If abortion is incomplete:

– Infection may occur– Heavy bleeding– Perforation of the uterus wall due to infection

Suction Curettage

Performed 6-14 weeks after missed period. A gentle suction is used to aspirate the fetus. Takes only about 5 minutes

Dilation & Evacuation (D & E)

Procedure used for a second trimester abortion.

Absorbent dilators are placed in the cervix for hours to stretch the cervix. After dilators have absorbed needed amount of fluid, instruments and suction are then used to remove the fetus and placental tissue.

Cost of Abortions

Charges cover one examination and lab test, the anesthesia, the procedure, the follow up exam and a birth control method.

Clinics range from $250-$400 First trimester abortions are done cheaper and with

less complications. More costly at a hospital Insurance will only cover an abortion if life of the

woman would be endangered if pregnancy is carried to term or if a result in rape or incest.

Complications of Early Abortion

Fewer than 5 out of 1,000 women suffer complications from abortion.

Allergic reactions to anesthetic or other medication Incomplete abortion Blood clots in Uterus Heavy bleeding requiring medical attention A cut or torn cervix Perforation of the uterus wall.

Post Abortion

Most common emotional response is relief. Depression follows with less than 20% of all

women who have abortions. 98% of women say they have no regrets and

under similar circumstances would do it again

Side Effects of Abortion

Uterine cramping Bleeding Nausea Fatigue