What Actually Happens When You Have An Abortion?

TL;DR

Abortion procedures range from taking a pill to surgical options, happening within the first 13 weeks of gestation. Access to safe and legal abortions is crucial for women's safety and well-being.

Transcript

56 million abortions occur annually worldwide And though opinions on the matter are strong, many are simply unaware of how they actually work So, regardless of whether you're pro-life or pro-choice: What actually happens during an abortion? Abortion procedures range from taking a pill to surgical options often based on availability or how far along... Read More

Key Insights

• 😷 Abortion procedures range from medical (oral tablet) to surgical options (vacuum aspiration, D&C, D&E).
• ❓ Most legal U.S. abortions occur within the first 13 weeks of gestation.
• 😷 Myth: Abortion does not increase the risk of cancer or affect future pregnancies, as confirmed by extensive medical research.
• 🖤 Unsafe abortions, often due to lack of access to safe procedures, result in significant harm and even death.
• 👮 Laws limiting access to abortions do not decrease the number of abortions but increase the incidence of unsafe procedures.
• 🎓 Comprehensive sex education and access to contraceptives effectively reduce the number of abortions by preventing unintended pregnancies.
• ☠️ Abortion rates have decreased in the developed world since 1990, mainly due to accessible contraception and education.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the purpose of the oral tablet in a medical abortion?

The oral tablet, often containing mifepristone, blocks progesterone, leading to uterine contractions and the expulsion of the embryo, similar to a heavy period.

Q: How is vacuum aspiration performed during a surgical abortion?

Vacuum aspiration involves numbing the cervix and using suction to empty the uterus. This procedure is typically used within 16 weeks of conception and can be performed under local or general anesthesia.

Q: What is the difference between a D&C and a D&E abortion?

A D&C (dilation and curettage) abortion involves dilating the cervix and using instruments or medication to remove the contents of the uterus. A D&E (dilation and evacuation) abortion is performed between 12 to 24 weeks and requires wider cervical dilation using osmotic dilators. Forceps and a curette are then used to remove fetal tissue.

Q: Are abortions safe compared to childbirth?

Yes, when performed by skilled professionals in accordance with medical standards, abortions are considered one of the safest procedures in medicine. The risk of death associated with childbirth is 14 times higher than that of an abortion.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Abortion procedures can involve taking an oral tablet or opting for surgical options.

• The oral tablet blocks progesterone, causing uterine contractions and the expulsion of the embryo.

• Surgical methods include vacuum aspiration, dilation and curettage (D&C), and dilation and evacuation (D&E).