According to abortion statistics, every year 46 million women have an abortion. Of these 46 million women, 26 million will have their procedures in a country where abortion is illegal. But the other 20 million women seek out abortions in countries where abortion is illegal. In the entire world, 26% of pregnancies are terminated by induced abortion. For example, in the Netherlands, 10.6% of pregnancies are aborted. This is a relatively low number compared to Russia, where 62.6% of all pregnancies are terminated.

By using abortion statistics, we can also learn about when abortions are commonly performed. In the United States, for example, most abortions – about 86.7% – are performed in the first trimester, or the first 12 weeks of gestation. 9.9% of abortions are done between 13 and 20 weeks, and only 1.4% of all abortions in the US are done at 21 weeks or later. In England and in Wales, 87.6% of all abortions performed were done in the first trimester. 10.7% were done between 13 and 19 weeks. Only 1.5% of abortions occurred at or after the 20 week mark.

Abortion statistics also provide us with information about how abortions are performed. In the United States, 91.3% of abortions were performed by vacuum aspiration procedures like Manual Vacuum Aspiration, Electric Vacuum Aspiration, Dilation and Curettage, and Dilation and Evacuation. 5.2% were done by using mifepristone, a chemical abortion method. 0.8% were done by intrauterine instillation, and 1.5% by hysterectomy or hysterotomy. In the United States in 2000, there were 2200 Intact Dilation and Extraction abortions performed; these made up approximately 0.17% of all abortions performed that year in the US. In England and Wales, the methods varied slightly. 76% used vacuum aspiration methods like Manual Vacuum Aspiration and Electric Vacuum Aspiration. 4% used Dilation and Evacuation. Chemical abortions made up 19% of abortions, and 1% were done by feticide. Feticide is defined as an intentional kick or puncture to the abdomen to produce a miscarriage.

These numbers are obviously only meant to represent the reported pregnancies and abortions done in the countries listed above. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to know how many women yearly seek alternative means of abortion like back-alley abortions and herbal abortions.

Abortion Statistics: What’s In A Number? is a post from: Pregnancy and Childbirth Guide

During the first twelve weeks of pregnancy – called the first trimester – surgical abortions can be done by Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA), Electric Vacuum Aspiration (EVA), and Dilation and Curettage (D&C). Chemical abortion can be performed by using mifepristone. In the second trimester, which is weeks 13 through 27, the timing of various abortions is more important. Abortion during this time can be done by D&C for the first few weeks of the second trimester. Also, Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) can be used, as well as the “late-term” abortion methods like hysterotomy, Intact Dilation and Extraction (IDX), and Early Induced Labor (also called Induced Miscarriage).

The question of the timing of various abortions comes into play when considering late-term abortion. It is difficult to define “late-term” abortion, as it is not a medically recognized term. In fact, it has more to do with the question of the viability of the fetus. All pregnancies are different, so different fetuses are viable at different stages of the pregnancy. The basic rule is that most fetuses are not viable before the 20th week of pregnancy, and most fetuses are viable after the 27th week of pregnancy. The time between the 20th and the 27th week of gestation becomes a touchy subject when looking at the timing of various abortions. The United States Supreme Court case, Roe vs. Wade stated that state governments can enforce more restrictions on late-stage abortions than they can on early-stage abortions, provided that the state law allows for concerns of the mother’s health. Currently, there are 16 states that have bans on late-term abortions. Most late-term abortions are done because of fetal abnormalities, or because the mother was unable to get an abortion earlier because of financial reasons or because she was not aware that she was pregnant. For late-term abortions due to fetal abnormality, Early Induction of Labor or IDX is used, although IDX is currently illegal in the US. The ban on IDX is under debate in the United States Supreme Court right now. For elective late-term abortions, D&E is typically used.

The main questions at the heart of the debate about the timing of various abortions often have to do with fetal pain. Certain groups hold that the fetus can feel pain in the first trimester of gestation. Others maintain that fetal pain is not felt until the neurological receptors have developed fully, and this does not occur until the second or third trimester.

The Timing Of Various Abortions is a post from: Pregnancy and Childbirth Guide

Question after question, and reminder after reminder, bring you deeper into despair.

Post-abortion Syndrome – The Guilt & Depression
Post-abortion Syndrome victims often deny having abortions due to the guilt and depression associated with it. This makes documentation of it, also known as Post-traumatic Stress Syndrome, very difficult.

The symptoms range from mild depression to suicidal thoughts and can also be linked to other emotional behaviors such as Eating Disorders, Drug or Alcohol Abuse, and Self Punishment. Millions of women have had abortions only to discover an emotional dilemma that won’t go away. Post-abortion Syndrome can affect men as well as women. That’s right — men too can experience the symptoms of it years after the abortion.

Post-abortion Syndrome – The Gift of Forgiveness
Post-abortion Syndrome symptoms can come and go until you address the core of the problem. You made the decision to have, or allow an abortion (and you will need to reconcile your decision). If you do something you regret to others, you apologize, but only after you can admit to yourself that you have done them wrong. This is the first step in leaving your past in the past for good! Once you have acknowledged to yourself that you regret the decision to abort your child, you need to forgive yourself. How could anyone ever forgive someone for killing a child? This act of forgiveness requires a love greater than you or I could possibly possess. So what’s the answer? There is a God who loves you and knew you when you were in your mother’s womb. He created you to have a relationship with Him. He sent His Son to die for the forgiveness of your sins and He alone holds the love needed to heal your pain. Once you have acknowledged to your Creator, and yourself, that you regret the decision of having an abortion, ask Him to forgive you.

Post-abortion Syndrome – Long-term Recovery & Hope
Post-abortion Syndrome may require a long period of recovery. Thoughts may return and you may doubt God’s forgiveness; however, be assured God keeps His word. Make time to get to know God and His Son, Jesus. The Bible says “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). The Bible also says “He separates our sins from us as far as the East is from the West” (Psalm 103:12). It’s our own conviction that is hardest to let go. Knowing the Creator of the universe forgives us when we ask, helps us to forgive ourselves. Though you may still feel sad at times for the loss of your child, you can be sure that you will see them again!

Post-abortion Syndrome is a post from: Pregnancy and Childbirth Guide

IDX or Partial Birth Abortion is a complicated procedure, the initial stages of which begin 2-3 days before the actual procedure is performed. Sticks of absorbent seaweed called laminaria tents are inserted into the cervix. As the laminaria tents absorb fluid, they swell and dilate the cervix. Using forceps, the doctor takes the fetus’ leg and uses it to move the fetus into breech position. Most of the body of the fetus is extracted from the cervix, leaving the head inside – thus the advent of the term Partial Birth Abortion. The doctor then makes and incision in the base of the skull, through which the brain matter is suctioned using a catheter. The fetus’ head collapses and makes it easier for the head to come out of the woman’s body. The walls of the uterus are scraped using a curette.

Late-term abortion procedures like IDX (Partial Birth Abortion), Dilation and Evacuation, and induction of labor are very, very rare. The reasons for having an abortion between the 20th and 24th weeks of pregnancy are varied, but most women have them after the doctors inform them that the fetus is abnormal or has a malformation. IDX is chosen above other procedures because it prevents the woman from having to experience labor or scarring surgery. Sharp instruments are only used to make the incision and to scrap the uterine walls. Also, if the fetus is aborted because of hydrocephalus, the normal size of the skull would not be able to pass through the birth canal.

Legally speaking, the Partial Birth Abortion Ban was passed by Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2003. Previously, Congress had tried to pass this law twice before, but it was vetoed both times by President Bill Clinton. The current law prohibits Partial Birth Abortion, but does provide for the physical and mental well-being of the mother, should she be in danger. It does not, however, provide the option for abortion in instances of life-threatening situations. Thus, the Supreme Court is looking into the Partial Birth Abortion Ban law as it is currently written.

Partial Birth Abortion Intact Dilation and Extraction or Partial Birth Abortion is a post from: Pregnancy and Childbirth Guide

Factual information about abortion-related topics can be found from various websites including the National Abortion Federation at www.prochoice.org, featuring a series of researched guides that cover topics related to abortion facts and abortion care. The safety of different types of procedures is discussed, medical versus surgical removal of the fetus, types of complications from each, prevention of complications, and more useful information about access to abortion, the day after pill, post-abortion issues, and statistical highlights about the incidence of abortion in the United States and Canada. For instance, consider these abortion facts; almost half of all pregnancies among American women are unintended, and about half of these unplanned pregnancies are ended by abortion. Women who have abortions come from all racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and religious backgrounds, and tend to be between the ages of fifteen and thirty-five years.

Given that unintended pregnancy is an issue that affects thousands of people each year, abortion is one of the most common procedures performed in the United States. Women seek abortion for many reasons, and it isn’t just a method of birth control like some may think. Unplanned pregnancies happen, and not every women is emotionally, physically, or financially capable of carrying a healthy baby to term and caring for it afterward. Help for pregnant women including teaching on abortion, development of baby, physical and psychological effects, and more information can be found at local Planned Parenthood agencies and online. Need to speak to someone right away? Visit www.abortionfacts.com where visitors can access a toll free number to call to speak with a live consultant, get abortion facts and links to comprehensive information about all abortion options, and get connected to help and support services locally.

Abortion Facts is a post from: Pregnancy and Childbirth Guide

The incidence of a teens abortion depends greatly on their race. A teen who is black is more likely to have an abortion than a white teen or a Hispanic teen. There are 14.8 abortions per 1000 white teenage girls between the ages of 15 and 19, and 30.3 per 1000 Hispanic teens. However, there are 57.4 abortions per 1000 black teenage girls between the ages of 15 and 19.

The older a teenager gets, the more likely she is to have an abortion if she becomes pregnant unexpectedly. 14.5 per 1000 teens between the ages of 15 and 17 have an abortion. Only 0.9 per 1000 teens under the age of 15 have an abortion. But a whopping 37.7 per 1000 teens between 18 and 19 have abortions.

The reasons teenagers have abortions vary as greatly as the reason why adults have abortions. Mostly, a teens abortion results from an unexpected and unplanned pregnancy. Teens often feel that they are too young to become parents. Or, sometimes they feel that an unplanned pregnancy will greatly interfere with their social life. Sometimes a teens abortion can be because she wants to complete her education and go on to college. Many teens are concerned about the financial difficulties a child brings. Social factors that cause a teen to seek abortion can be related to religious upbringing, family concerns, and cultural stigma.

The medical effects of teenage parenthood can be considered even more detrimental to the teenager than abortion itself. There is a high incidence of premature birth in teenage girls, and of low birth weight. Bad nutritional habits on teenage girls can take a toll on the fetus. Malnutrition due to efforts at weight loss during pregnancy – including but not limited to starvation, purging, and dieting – cause problems not only with the mother, but also with the unborn child. There are often complications with the births of children to teenage girls, and in developed countries this can usually be remedied by cesarean section. However, in underdeveloped countries, complications such as eclampsia and obstetric fistula are possibilities. Also, the rate of infant mortality and maternal mortality are much greater in teen pregnancies.

The Epidemic Of Teens Abortion is a post from: Pregnancy and Childbirth Guide

When asking “what is abortion?” it is important to specify what type of abortion you want to discuss. Spontaneous Abortion, or miscarriage, happens naturally as the body’s way of getting rid of something unhealthy for the expectant mother. Sometimes this will happen because of genetic problems or malformations of the fetus. Therapeutic Abortion is usually recommended by a doctor in cases of pregnancy that will harm the expectant mother. Induced Elective Abortion is a choice that is made for personal reasons. The woman may feel she is mentally or emotionally unfit to be a mother, or she may not be able to support a child in another way.

The question “What is Abortion” extends to the different types of abortion procedures as well. There are surgical, chemical and herbal abortions available, though herbal abortions are not very reliable, nor are they very safe. Generally, herbal abortions are not used in modern times. Surgical abortions are the most common and most widely-known. During the first trimester of pregnancy, abortion can be done by Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA), Electric Vacuum Aspiration (EVA), or Dilation and Curettage. MVA and EVA use suction to remove the embryo; MVA uses a syringe to remove the tissue, and EVA uses pump. Dilation and Curettage requires the opening of the cervix, and then the insertion of a sharp curette to scrape the uterine walls. Later on, abortion can be done by Dilation and Evacuation, Intact Dilation and Extraction (also called Partial birth Abortion), and by Hysterectomy. Dilation and Evacuation uses instruments and suction to remove the tissue after the cervix has been dilated. Intact Dilation and Extraction involves a medical process where the fetal brain matter is removed so the head collapses to make it easier to remove the fetus. A Hysterectomy Abortion is basically a cesarian section procedure.

Chemical abortions involve the combination of drugs to result in the termination of the pregnancy and generally what is abortion. The use of methotrexate or mifepristone is combined with either misoprostol – commonly used in the US – or gemeprost – commonly used in the UK and Sweden. Most people do not get this information when they ask “what is abortion”.

“What is abortion” also applies to the law. Most Western countries have legalized early-term abortions in the first trimester. The Partial Birth Abortion Ban in the United States prevents the use of Intact Dilation and Extraction in later-term pregnancies, although this law is currently before the US Supreme Court because it does not provide for the health of the mother in Therapeutic Abortion cases.

What Is Abortion, Anyway? is a post from: Pregnancy and Childbirth Guide

Abortion consists of ending a pregnancy before the unborn child can live outside the mother. An abortion can be either spontaneous, called a miscarriage, or it can be deliberate (induced). Before 1973, induced abortions were illegal; the case of Roe vs. Wade, however, forced the Supreme Court to confirm a woman’s right to choose to terminate an unwanted pregnancy.

The safest abortions are done in the first trimester of pregnancy, which corresponds to the first 12 weeks (weeks are calculated from the woman’s last menstrual period). There are a few different types of abortion, and the specific type performed on a particular teen depends on how far in the pregnancy she is.

The earliest type of termination of a teenage pregnancy – abortion – that can be done is called a medical abortion, which can be done within the first nine weeks of pregnancy. Two different drugs may be used, methotrexate or mifepristone (RU486), followed by another drug called misoprostol. This type of abortion does not require any type of surgery, but takes longer to work, requiring several visits to the doctor or clinic. There is often quite a bit of cramping and bleeding at home; indeed, the combination of these two drugs has the effect of causing the uterus to expel the fetus. This procedure is unsuccessful approximately 10% of the time, causing a woman to turn to the second major type of abortion, the surgical abortion.

The most common type of termination of teenage pregnancy – abortion – is vacuum aspiration, a surgical procedure in which an anesthetic is given to the woman to manually extract the fetus from her uterus. This procedure can be performed within the first trimester of pregnancy. For this procedure, the cervix is gently dilated about a quarter-inch and a narrow tube is inserted through the vagina, then the cervix, and into the uterus. The contents of the uterine lining are then vacuumed out. The procedure lasts a few minutes and more often than not the woman returns home the same day.

As with all pregnancies, teenage pregnancy abortions in the second trimester (beginning the 13th week of pregnancy) are rare, though they do occur; prostaglandin is given in a clinic and this results in uterine contractions which can last several hours. Abortions after the 24th week of pregnancy, or the third trimester, are only performed if the fetus is severely deformed or if the mother’s life is in danger.

How to Deal with Teenage Pregnancy is a post from: Pregnancy and Childbirth Guide

The primary issues that pro abortion people concentrate on – aside from the woman’s right to choose – are the effect on the crime rate and back-alley abortions. Economists have studied the crime rate in the United States for decades. But the most interesting recent data shows that the crime rate has dropped dramatically since the legalization of abortion is 1973 with the Supreme Court’s ruling on Roe vs. Wade. There is a direct correlation between the decreased crime rate and this legal precedent. It seems that as poverty stricken women are able to access abortion procedures, unwanted and therefore unloved children have been prevented.

The biggest of these issues for pro abortion people is the issue of back-alley abortions. The term is slang, and refers to any abortion performed in unsafe environments, and/or performed by unlicensed practitioners. These are incredibly dangerous procedures for the woman, and until the legalization of abortion, many women died from these practices of from trying to give themselves an abortion. IN the 1950s and 1960s, there were about 1.2 million illegal abortion performed, and of these, a large percentage caused serious damage to the woman. Since the advent of legalized abortion, the rate of death from abortion procedures has dropped dramatically. Today, abortions are one of the safest medical procedures a person can have.

Many pro abortion advocates feel that women who do not want to raise a child should not be forced to do so because that can be incredibly hurtful to the child emotionally. Children who grow up in unloving homes tend to have more psychological problems than those who know they are loved and wanted. Also, many women who become pregnant unexpectedly may be financial unstable, and this can also cause a lot of problems for both the child and the mother.

Pro Abortion Is Pro-Choice is a post from: Pregnancy and Childbirth Guide

Herbal abortion is the oldest of the methods of abortion. Like self-inflicted abortion, Herbal abortion is not very safe, and often does not produce any effect other than a very sick pregnant woman. Many different herbs have been used over the hundreds of years people have been using this method of abortion, including tansy, pennyroyal, black cohosh, silphium – which is now extinct – birthwort, and even herbs that modern people use daily: dill, marjoram, thyme, parsley, lavender, and juniper. These herbs are referred to as “abortifacient”, which means simply that they can cause abortion.

The most commonly known and used methods of abortion are surgical. Early-term abortions can be performed by one of three surgical procedures: Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA), Electric Vacuum Aspiration (EVA), and Dilation and Curettage (D&C). MVA uses a syringe to suction out the tissue; EVA uses an electric pump to suction the tissue out. D&C uses a sharp curette to clean the walls of the uterus once the cervix has been opened. Later-stage methods of abortion are Dilation and Evacuation (D&E), Hysterectomy Abortion, and the controversial Intact Dilation and Extraction (IDX), or Partial Birth Abortion. D&E is performed opening the cervix and cleaning out the uterus with instruments and suction. A Hysterectomy Abortion is essentially a cesarean section that terminates a pregnancy. IDX involves dilating the cervix, using forceps to grasp and turn the fetus into breech position, and then withdraw the fetus until just the head is left inside the cervix. The head is then collapsed by suctioning the brain matter out of the skull through a small incision made at the base of the skull. This method of abortion is currently banned under the Partial Birth Abortion Ban law that was passed by Congress and signed into effect by President George W Bush in 2003. The US Supreme Court is currently examining the legal validity of this law because it does not provide for cases where the health of the mother is in jeopardy.

Chemical methods of abortion are done by a combination of drugs that effectively terminate the pregnancy. Methotrexate or mifepristone is used, and is followed by one of two types of prostaglandin. The type used depends on where the procedure is taking place. In the US, misoprostol is commonly used; in the UK and in Sweden, gemeprost is used.

What Are Some Methods Of Abortion? is a post from: Pregnancy and Childbirth Guide