Abortion is the medical procedure of terminating a pregnancy, typically performed during the first trimester but sometimes later depending on legal and medical circumstances. There are various reasons why individuals may seek abortion, including health risks to the mother, fetal abnormalities, socioeconomic factors, and personal choice.
Abortion procedures can differ based on gestational age and individual circumstances. Early in pregnancy, options include medication abortion using a combination of medications to induce miscarriage, or surgical procedures such as aspiration or dilation and curettage (D&C). Later in pregnancy, when the fetus is more developed, abortion procedures may involve induction of labor or surgical dilation and evacuation (D&E).
Access to safe and legal abortion services is crucial to protect the health and autonomy of individuals. Restrictions on abortion access can lead to unsafe procedures, increased maternal mortality, and adverse health outcomes. Comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including access to contraception, family planning services, and abortion care, is essential for promoting reproductive rights and health equity.
