Abortion can be one of the most difficult decisions you can make, and it is important to be as informed about this choice as possible. By exploring all your options in regards to pregnancy you can make an educated decision you'd feel comfortable with.

Abortion

Abortion is the medical procedure of terminating a pregnancy, and was made legal in the United States as a ruling from the 1973 Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade.

Facts

Abortion is a choice that more than 40% of women will make during their reproductive lives. 20 to 30 million legal abortions, and 10 to 20 million illegal abortions are performed a year worldwide. Illegal abortions are the cause of 13% of deaths in women who don't recognize how unsafe they can be, but in some countries there is no alternative.

Types and Time Frame

Abortions can be performed up to 20 weeks of gestation. Prior to the last menstrual period, 7 weeks from conception, abortions can be administered by a surgical procedure or by taking medication. Between 9 and 14 weeks one undergoes the dilatation and suction curettage procedure, after 14 weeks it becomes a dilatation and evacuation procedure. At 20 weeks labor induction, prostaglandin labor induction, saline infusion, hysterotomy, or dilatation and extraction, are all possible abortion methods.

Preparation

Before one can undergo the abortion procedure they must first provide information about their medical history, and have a physical to see if you have any sexually transmitted diseases, or any other health risks that might complicate the abortion.

Counseling

In the U.S. state laws differ in regards to abortion. States may require parental consent if one is under 18 years old, and/or undergo counseling and a brief waiting period before an abortion can be performed. For more information go to http://www.prochoice.org/.

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Abortion