ABORTION

Abortion is a medical or surgical procedure that ends a pregnancy by

removing or eliminating the fetus or embryo from the uterus before it can
survive outside the womb.

There are two primary types of abortion:

Medical abortion: This involves the use of medications to terminate a

pregnancy, typically in the early stages (up to 10 weeks). The most
common drugs used are mifepristone and misoprostol.

Surgical abortion: This involves a medical procedure to remove the

fetus or embryo from the uterus. There are different methods, including
aspiration (vacuum) abortion and dilation and curettage (D&C), which
are usually performed in a clinic or hospital setting.

LEGAL/ILLEGAL TERM OF ABORTION

LEGAL

Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans held

various beliefs and practices around abortion. In certain circumstances, it
was tolerated or even practised as a kind of family planning, but there
were also moral or religious constraints. The methods used were
frequently crude, involving herbal treatments or physical interventions.

19th Century- By the mid-1800s, abortion was largely illegal in most

parts of the Western world. In the United States, for example, abortion
became criminalized in most states by the 1880s. This was influenced by
a mix of factors, including moral concerns, the growing influence of
organized religion, and the rise of the medical profession, which sought
to centralize and control reproductive health practices.

Early to Mid 20th Century-In many countries, the criminalization of

abortion remained in place throughout the early 20th century, though
there were exceptions in some places (e.g., the Soviet Union legalized
abortion in 1920). During this time, illegal or back-alley abortions were
common and often dangerous for women.
1980s and Beyond: Shifts in Legal Statu- In some countries, abortion
rights were challenged or restricted in the 1980s and 1990s. For example,
in the United States, while the Roe v. Wade decision was still in place,
there were ongoing efforts by anti-abortion activists to restrict access,
including state-level restrictions on when and how abortions could be
performed. Some states introduced waiting periods, mandatory
counseling, and parental consent laws for minors.

2000s to Present: Ongoing Legal Battles-U.S. Abortion Laws

Post-Roe v. Wade: In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned
Roe v. Wade with the decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's
Health Organization, effectively ending federal protection for the
right to abortion. This allowed individual states to determine the
legality of abortion within their borders. As a result, many states
have introduced laws that either restrict or ban abortion, while
others have protected access to abortion services.

A few countries began to soften their stance on abortion due to

changing views on women's rights, maternal health, and medical
practices. For example, Sweden legalized abortion in 1938 under
certain circumstances.

Global Perspective

As of today, the legality of abortion varies significantly around the

world. Some countries have broad access to legal abortion, others
allow it only under specific circumstances (e.g., risk to the mother's
health, fetal abnormalities, rape), and some countries completely
ban abortion, The debate over abortion is complex and often
influenced by political, cultural, religious, and ethical
considerations often with severe penalties.

The standard for abortion to become illegal or, contrary, legal is

determined by the legal, cultural, and moral frameworks of a
specific country or jurisdiction. In general, several factors
determine when and how abortion is declared illegal:

fetal viability—the point at which a fetus can survive outside the

womb with or without medical assistance. Many countries set
restrictions based on fetal viability, often around 24 weeks of
gestation. Before this point, abortion may be more freely available,
while after this point, access to abortion is usually restricted unless
there are significant health risks to the mother.

Risk to the Mother’s Health or Life- Many countries and regions

allow abortion if carrying the pregnancy to term poses a serious
risk to the mother’s health or life. This is one of the most widely
accepted exceptions in both pro- and anti-abortion legal
frameworks.

If medical evidence shows that continuing the pregnancy would

lead to severe physical harm, organ damage, or even death,
abortion may be permitted under the law, even in countries where
abortion is otherwise heavily restricted.

3. Cases of Rape, Incest, or Fetal Abnormality -Exceptions for

cases of rape, incest, or severe fetal abnormalities are often
codified in abortion laws, even in jurisdictions where abortion is
largely illegal. exceptions may apply only under specific
conditions, such as within a limited number of weeks or with
certification from medical professionals.

- For example, in Ireland (prior to its 2018 referendum), abortion

was only allowed in cases where the mother's life was at risk,
though later exceptions were introduced for fatal fetal
abnormalities or cases of rape.

exceptions may apply only under specific conditions, such as

within a limited number of weeks or with certification from
medical professionals.

5. Cultural and Societal Views - Societal attitudes towards

women’s rights and reproductive autonomy also impact the legality
of abortion-in societies that hold strong conservative views about
gender roles, women’s right to choose an abortion may be
 restricted, as the cultural expectation may prioritize motherhood or
family over individual choice.

[Link] and Constitutional Rights- In some countries,

abortion is banned through national legislation or constitutional
amendments. Such laws often arise through political processes or
shifts in government, particularly in countries where there is
significant opposition to abortion on moral, religious, or political
grounds.

[Link] Role of International Law - In some regions, international

human rights agreements may influence the legal status of
abortion. For instance, organizations like the United Nations and
the World Health Organization (WHO) have advocated for safe,
legal, and accessible abortion as part of a broader approach to
women's rights and health. Many countries, particularly in Europe
and Latin America, have progressively aligned their abortion laws
with international human rights norms.

example of When Abortion is Made Illegal:

Summary

Abortion becomes illegal when a country or state passes laws that

either ban it entirely or restrict it to very specific circumstances,
such as when the mother's life is at risk, in cases of rape or incest,
or when the fetus is diagnosed with a fatal abnormality. The
specific standards for abortion legality or illegality depend on a
combination of medical, legal, cultural, and religious factors Laws
also often hinge on the gestational age of the pregnancy, with many
jurisdictions allowing abortion only during the early stages of
pregnancy or under particular circumstances.

gestational age is a way to measure how far along a pregnancy is,

starting from the first day of the woman’s last menstrual period,
and it is crucial for assessing fetal development, determining the
timing of various medical procedures, and establishing legal
parameters for abortion.

Positive Effects of Abortion for Women

[Link] from an Unwanted Pregnancy- Emotional and psychological
relief: For women who find themselves in an unwanted pregnancy,
abortion can offer significant emotional relief, especially if they are not
ready or able to have a child due to financial, health, or personal reasons.

Health and Safety Considerations

-Reduction of health risks: In cases where the pregnancy poses a risk
to the woman’s health or life abortion may be a life-saving or health-
preserving procedure.

Financial Stability - Prevention of financial burden: Having a child

requires significant financial resources, and women who feel unprepared
financially for parenthood may choose abortion to avoid the financial
strain and ensure they can continue working or supporting themselves and
their families.

Social and Relationship Factors - Improved family or relationship

stability: If a pregnancy is unwanted or occurs in an unstable relationship,
abortion may help prevent additional strain on family dynamics or
romantic relationships that are already challenged by financial or
emotional difficulties

No Long-Term Physical Effects - When performed early and under safe,

clinical conditions, abortion does not have significant long-term effects
on a woman's physical health or fertility. The majority of women who
have an abortion do not experience lasting physical complications.

Negative Effects of Abortion for Women

[Link]-Term Health Risks

- Infection: As with any medical procedure, there is a risk of infection
if proper sterile techniques are not followed. Infections can lead to serious
complications if left untreated.
- Heavy bleeding: Some bleeding after an abortion is normal, but in
rare cases, women can experience excessive bleeding (hemorrhaging) that
may require additional medical intervention.
- Injury to the uterus or cervix: Though uncommon, there can be
injury to the uterus or cervix during the abortion procedure, particularly if
it is a surgical abortion, leading to complications such as uterine
perforation
2. Future Fertility- Risk of complications in future pregnancies: In rare
cases, particularly if the abortion procedure is complicated, there could be
risks to future fertility, such as scarring of the uterus (Asherman's
syndrome) or damage to the cervix. However, when abortion is done
safely and properly, most women can conceive and carry future
pregnancies to term without any problems.

Psychological and Emotional Effects

1. Emotional and Psychological Distress - While many women

experience relief after an abortion, others may feel sadness, guilt, regret,
or grief, especially if the decision was emotionally complex or if they had
conflicting feelings about ending the pregnancy. - Some women who
experience forced or coerce* abortion, or who do not feel supported by
their partners, families, or society, may experience higher levels of
distress.

2. Risk of Depression and Anxiety- In some cases, particularly if the

woman feels that she had no other choice but to have an abortion, there
may be an increased risk of depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD). These mental health effects can be more pronounced if
the woman feels stigmatized, isolated, or lacks adequate emotional
support.

Social Stigma and Support- Women who have an abortion may face
stigma or judgment, especially in areas where abortion is highly
controversial or culturally taboo. This social stigma can lead to feelings
of shame,isolation, or even discrimination in certain social or family
contexts.- The lack of emotional or logistical support from partners,
family, or the broader community can exacerbate these feelings of
isolation and distress.

Cultural or Religious Conflict

1. Cultural or Religious Guilt - For women who have strong religious or

cultural beliefs against abortion, undergoing the procedure may cause
significant guilt or spiritual distress. Some women may experience
internal conflict if their personal decision conflicts with the values or
teachings of their faith or community.
- In some cases, this can lead to long-term psychological distress as the
woman grapples with reconciling her personal choice with her beliefs

Conclusion
Abortion can have both positive and negative effects on women,
depending on a variety of factors. For many women, abortion can provide
relief, autonomy, and the ability to move forward with their lives without
the burdens of an unwanted pregnancy. However, the decision to have an
abortion can also come with emotional and physical risks, particularly if
the procedure is complicated or if the woman experiences a lack of
support. Ensuring that women have access to safe, compassionate, and
comprehensive care is critical in helping to reduce potential negative
effects.