Abortion

Guide Note

An abortion is a medical procedure that is used to terminate a pregnancy and has consistently proved a divisive political issue.

An abortion is usually performed in the first trimester of pregnancy. It is important an abortion be performed by a medical professional. There are two types of abortion, medical abortion which is done with drugs, and surgical abortion which uses surgical procedures. If an abortion is done during the second or third trimester the medical procedure is not an option.

Fast Facts

1. 1973: Roe vs Wade decision
2. About 46 million abortions performed worldwide each year
3. World ratio: About 26 per 100 pregnancies
4. 88.2% of abortions in the U.S. were conducted at or prior to 12 weeks
5. Illegal abortion is unsafe
6. Serious complication if done before 13 weeks are rare
7. Medical abortions limited to the first 9 weeks
8. Types of complications of surgical abortions: Blood clots, infections, a tear in the cervix, tear in the wall of the uterus, incomplete abortion, excessive bleeding

The act of abortion has been studied and performed for several thousand years. It was legal in the United States when the settlers arrived. During the mid to late 1800s various states began passing laws making abortion illegal. During the 1800s the medical procedures for abortion were extremely risky. Between the years of 1967 and 1973 various states began to repeal their criminal abortion laws. In 1973 the U.S Supreme Court ruling in Row vs Wade made it possible for women to get legal, safe abortions from medical experts.

Disclaimer

The information on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor for more information on Abortion.