The document discusses various topics related to abortion including its definition, history of legalization, statistics on who receives abortions and at what gestational ages, fetal development, types of abortion procedures, risks of abortion, and perspectives on the abortion debate. It provides statistics on abortions in the US such as over 50 million worldwide since 1973 and 1.3 million annually in the US. It also outlines fetal development from heartbeat at 3 weeks to dreaming in the womb at 32 weeks. The types of abortion procedures described include suction, D&C, saline injection, and partial-birth abortion. Risks mentioned include death, cancers, and emotional issues.

1. Abortions Whose right is it when it comes to abortion?

2. The term “abortion” refers to any premature expulsion of a human fetus, whether naturally spontaneous, as in a miscarriage, or artificially induced, as in a surgical or chemical abortion. Definition:

3. Abortion Facts & Statistics: Abortions first became legal in 1973 Since legalization over 50 million abortions have been performed world wide 1.37 Million in the United States 3,700 per day 1 in 3 woman will have an abortion by the time they are 45 Some abortions still result in babies being born alive 2 main groups Pro-choice & Pro-Life Pro-choice – Are for a woman’s right to choose Pro-life – Are against abortions

4. Who's having abortions (race)? While white women obtain 60% of all abortions, their abortion rate is well below that of minority women. Black women are more than 3 times as likely as white women to have an abortion, and Hispanic women are roughly 2 times as likely. Why women have abortions? 1% of all abortions occur because of rape or incest 6% of abortions occur because of potential health problems regarding either the mother or child 93% of all abortions occur for social reasons (i.e. the child is unwanted or inconvenient). At what gestational ages are abortions performed: 52% of all abortions occur before the 9th week of pregnancy 25% happen between the 9th & 10th week 12% happen between the 11th and 12th week 6% happen between the 13th & 15th week 4% happen between the 16th & 20th week 1% of all abortions (16,450/yr.) happen after the 20th week of pregnancy

5. Unborn Fetus Unborn fetus heartbeats at 21 days after conception 8-9 weeks the eyelids & hair start to form 9-10 weeks they can suck their thumbs, can squint to close out light, frown, swallow, and move her tongue 12 weeks all arteries are present, vocal chords are complete, brain is fully formed, and the child can feel pain 15 weeks fetus has an adult's taste buds and may be able to savor the mother's meals 20 weeks fetus can hear and recognize mother's voice, fingernails and fingerprints appear. Sex organs are visible. 32- weeks The fetus sleeps 90-95% of the day, and sometimes experiences REM sleep, an indication of dreaming. 40-weeks child is now approximately seven and a half pounds, is ready for life outside its mother's womb

6. Types of Abortions Suction Aspiration Most common method during the first 12 weeks. General or local anaesthesia is given to the mother and her cervix is quickly dilated. A suction curette (hollow tube with a knife-edged tip) is inserted into the womb. This instrument is then connected to a vacuum machine by a transparent tube. The vacuum suction, 29 times more powerful than a household vacuum cleaner, tears the fetus and placenta into small pieces which are sucked through the tube into a bottle and discarded.

7. Dilation and Curettage (D&C) This method is used up to 18 weeks. This abortion method is used at a later stage in the baby’s development. Because of the baby’s advanced size and development, the doctor uses a pair of forceps to grab the baby’s head. As he cuts away the placenta, the doctor uses forceps with teeth to grasp body parts, to separate them from the body with a twisting movement, and to crush the skull. The body parts and placenta are removed.

8. Salt Poisoning (Saline Injection) Used after 16 weeks (four months) when enough fluid has accumulated. A long needle injects a strong salt solution through the mother's abdomen into the baby's sac. The baby swallows this fluid and is poisoned by it. It also acts as a corrosive, burning off the outer layer of skin. It normally takes somewhat over an hour for the baby to die from this. Within 24 hours, labor will usually set in and the mother will give birth to a dead or dying baby. (There have been many cases of these babies being born alive. They are usually left unattended to die. However, a few have survived and later been adopted.)

9. Partial-Birth Abortion The procedure is usually performed during the last trimester of gestation up to the end of the ninth month. The woman's cervix is dilated, and the abortionist grabs the baby's leg with forceps. Then he proceeds to pull the baby into the birth canal. The abortionist then delivers the baby's body, feet first, all but the baby's head. The abortionist inserts a sharp object into the back of the baby's head, removes it, and inserts a vacuum tube through which the brains are sucked out. The head of the baby collapses at this point and allows the aborted baby to be delivered lifelessly.

10. Dangers & Risks Death Breast cancer Cervical, ovarian, & liver cancers Uterine perforation Cervical lacerations Placenta previa Handicapped newborns in later pregnancies Ectopic pregnancy Pelvic inflammatory disease Endometritis Emotional issues

11. Solutions to Abortions: Abstinence Birth control (Not including the morning after pill) Adoption Safe Haven Law Each state has a law in place to allow an unharmed infant to be relinquished to the proper authorities, no questions asked. (30 days old and younger)

12. My Views: No ones right or place to be the judge or jury over a woman’s own body Too many alternative options to abortion Too many risks not only physically but mentally & emotionally Choice you make on your own