Abortion is one of the most common medical procedures in the United States, with approximately 1.21 million performed in 2008. Women in their 20s obtain over half of all abortions. Procedures are typically performed in clinics rather than hospitals using either medication or suction/instrumentation depending on the gestational age of the pregnancy. Risks after an abortion include bleeding, pain, and infection. Prior to 1973, abortion was illegal in the U.S. and caused many health complications and deaths due to unsafe procedures.

1. Chapter 13
Caitlyn Montville
ABORTION

2. o One of the most common medical procedures in the United States
o 1 in 4 pregnancies (including miscarriages) end in abortions
o Approximately 1.21 million legal abortions were performed in the
United States in 2008
o On basis of current abortion rates, about 1 in 3 women in the
United States will have an abortion by the age of 45
ABORTION

3. o Women ages 20-24 obtain 33% of all abortions
o Women ages 25-29 obtain 24%
o Teenagers obtain 18%
o Women 35 and older have 11% of all abortions
o Non-Hispanic white women account for 36% of abortions
o African-American women, 30%
o Hispanic women account for 25%
o Women of other races, 9% of abortions
WHO HAS ABORTIONS?

4. o Fewer than 5% of abortions are done in hospitals
o Planned Parenthood- enables you to search by zip code or state
for clinics that provide abortions, including those that provide
abortions after the first trimester
o The National Abortion Federation- hotline provides referrals to
member clinics in the US, Canada, and Mexico City
o The National Network of Abortion Funds- maintains local funds
in most states that can provide referrals, offer help with funding, or
help identify sources of funding
ABORTION PROVIDERS

5. o Most are done while you are awake, with drugs that will help you
relax and ease the pain of cramps
o Because of variable temps, wear layers to your appointment
o You can bring music with you, and may even be able to listen to it
during your procedure
o Make sure that you have the documentation the clinic needs (ex.
Identification and insurance cards)
PREPARING FOR YOUR ABORTION

6. o Protestors or “sidewalk counselors”- if that makes you feel
uncomfortable, you can notify the clinic and they can escort you
inside the building
o Once you're inside, you will need to fill out medical history forms
o Your vital signs will be checked
o If you are less than 9 weeks pregnant you can choose between an
aspiration abortion (surgery) or a medication abortion
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE CLINIC

7. o First trimester abortions are performed using either a vacuum
aspiration (suction to remove the pregnancy) or medication
abortion (pregnancy is interrupted and expelled over the course of
a few days
o Second trimester abortions are done using dilation and evacuation
(D&E) (your cervix are dilated and the use of instruments and
suction)
o Women who are more than 20 weeks pregnant may choose for an
induction abortion using medications that cause the pregnancy to
be expelled
ABORTION METHODS

8. DILATION & EVACUATION

9. o No tampons, sexual intercourse, or douching for up to five days
after your abortion- there is a greater risk of infection
o Rest and avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise
o Use reliable birth control if you don’t want another pregnancy
because you can get pregnant shortly after an abortion, even
before your first period
AFTER CARE

10. o Continued symptoms of pregnancy (nausea, bloating, breast
tenderness)
o Heavy bleeding
o Pain
o Fever
SYMPTOMS AFTER ABORTION

11. o Became legal in 1973
o When it was illegal abortion was widely practiced
o The ability of a woman to obtain an abortion at all, let alone that
was safe depended on her economic status, her race and where
she lived
o Often unable to find a provider, poor women and women of color
turned to dangerous self-abortions (inserting knitting needles or
coat handers into the vagina and uterus, douching with dangerous
solutions, or swallowing strong drugs or chemicals)
HISTORY OF ABORTION IN THE US

12. o “Laws prohibiting abortions took a heavy toll on women’s lives and
health. Because many deaths were not officially attributed to
unsafe, illegal abortion, it’s impossible to know the exact number.
However, thousands of women a year were treated for health
complications due to botched, unsanitary, or self-induced
abortions; many died, or were left infertile or with chronic illness
and pain.” (page 339)
HISTORY CONTINUED

13. o I know abortion is a touchy subject for some people, but I think it’s
good to hear other peoples opinions. My question is, do you think
it’s a good thing that abortion is legal today? If so, why?
DISCUSSION QUESTION