Go HERE if you already had an abortion

Know the Facts

Facing an unplanned pregnancy is hard.  Fear, confusion, and anger are just some of the feelings that you may be experiencing.  Before you decide, you deserve to know the facts.  The law gives you the right to be fully informed about this important decision.

The following information will help you understand more about your pregnancy, about the new life developing inside you, and about abortion.  You have options.

Questions and Answers

Should I be concerned about having an abortion?

Abortion is not just a simple medical procedure.  For many women, it is a life changing event with significant physical, emotional and spiritual consequences.  Most women who struggle with past abortions say that they wish they had been told all of the facts about abortion.

What can I do about people pressuring me?

Remember, no person will be required to live with the consequences of this decision as much as you will.  If your boyfriend or parents are pressuring you to make a quick decision, explain your needs and try to involve them in counselling to explore your positive options.  You have the right to continue with this pregnancy.

Can I have a baby and still live my life?

You may see this unplanned pregnancy as a major roadblock in your life.  Thankfully, there are other routes that can get you back on track.  Be encouraged to know that many women in the same situation have found the necessary help and resources to make positive choices and realize their dreams.

Understand Your Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your body goes through many changes. Some common symptoms of early pregnancy include a missed period, nausea, breast tenderness, frequent urination, tiredness, and mood swings.

Most pregnancy tests are very reliable. However, to confirm that you are pregnant, a visit to an appropriate health care provider will be necessary.

Your doctor may request an ultrasound exam to confirm the status of your pregnancy. This information is important whether you are considering abortion or continuing with your pregnancy.

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Definitions
Cervix
The bottom opening to the uterus which stretches during labor or abortion.
Conception (also known as fertilization)

Joining the male sperm and the female egg to form a human being at its earliest stage.

Embryo
Human life at its earliest weeks of development, during which time all the organs are formed.
Fetus
A developing unborn baby with an observable human structure.
Full Term Pregnancy
The stage at about 40 weeks when the unborn baby is ready for birth.
Last Menstrual Period (LMP)
The date when a woman started her last menstrual period before conception. This is the point in time from which the pregnancy and the age of the unborn baby are measured.
Trimester
An interval of three months used to measure three successive stages of pregnancy - first trimester, second trimester, and third trimester.
Uterus
Female organ where the unborn baby develops during pregnancy.

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Your Baby's Development

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Learn about Abortion Procedures

MANUAL VACUUM ASPIRATION
WITHIN 7 WEEKS AFTER LAST MENSTRUAL PERIOD (LMP)
This surgical abortion is done early in the pregnancy up until 7 weeks after the woman's last menstrual period. A long, thin tube is inserted into the uterus.  A large syringe is attached to the tube tube and the embryo is suctioned out.

SUCTION CURETTAGE
BETWEEN 6 TO 14 WEEKS AFTER LMP
This is the most common surgical abortion procedure.  Because the baby is larger, the doctor must first stretch open the cervix using metal rods.  Opening the cervix may be painful, so local or general anesthesia is typically needed.  After the cervix is stretched open, the doctor inserts a hard plastic tube into the uterus, then connects this tube to a suction machine. The suction pulls the fetus' body apart and out of the uterus. The doctor may also use a loop-shaped knife called a curette to scrape the fetus and fetal parts out of the uterus.  (The doctor may refer to the fetus and fetal parts as the "products of conception.")

DILATION AND EVACUATION (D & E)
BETWEEN 13 TO 24 WEEKS AFTER LMP
This surgical abortion is done during the second trimester of pregnancy. At this point in pregnancy, the fetus is too large to be broken up by suction alone and will not pass through the suction tubing.  In this procedure, the cervix must be opened wider than in a first trimester abortion.  This is done by inserting numerous thin rods made of seaweed (called laminaria) a day or two before the abortion.  Once the cervix is stretched open, the doctor pulls out the fetal parts with forceps.  The fetus' skull is crushed to ease removal.  A sharp tool (called a curette) is also used to scrape out the contents of the uterus, removing any remaining tissue.

DILATION AND EXTRACTION (D & X) (Partial Birth Abortion)
FROM 20 WEEKS AFTER LMP TO FULL-TERM
This procedure takes three days. During the first two days, the cervix is stretched open using thin rods made of seaweed, and medication is given for pain. On the third day, the abortion doctor uses ultrasound to locate the legs of the fetus. Grasping a leg with forceps, the doctor delivers the fetus up to the head. Next, scissors are inserted into the base of the skull to create an opening. A suction catheter is placed into the opening to remove the brain. The skull collapses and the fetus is removed.

RU486, MIFEPRISTONE (Abortion Pill)
WITHIN 4 TO 7 WEEKS AFTER LMP
This drug is only approved for use in women up to the 49th day after their last menstrual period.  The procedure usually requires three office visits.  On the first visit, the woman is given pills to cause the death of the embryo.  Two days later, if the abortion has not occurred, she is given a second drug which causes cramps to expel the embryo.  The last visit is to determine if the procedure has been completed.  RU486 will not work in the case of an ectopic pregnancy.  This is a potentially life-threatening condition in which the embryo lodges outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube.  If not diagnosed early, the tube may burst, causing internal bleeding and in some cases, the death of the woman.

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Consider the immediate risks of abortion
Side effects occur with induced abortion, whether surgical or by pill. These include abdominal pain and cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Abortion also carries the risk of significant complications such as bleeding, infection, and damage to organs.  Serious complications occur in less than 1 out of every 100 early abortions and in about 1 out of every 50 later abortions. Complications may include:

Heavy Bleeding
Some bleeding after abortion is normal. However, if the cervix is torn or the uterus is punctured, there is a risk of severe bleeding known as hemorrhaging.  When this happens, a blood transfusion may be required.  Severe bleeding is also a risk with the use of RU486.  One in 100 women who use RU486 require surgery to stop the bleeding.

Infection
Infection can develop from the insertion of medical instruments into the uterus, or from fetal parts that are mistakenly left inside (known as an incomplete abortion).  A pelvic infection may lead to persistent fever over several days and extended hospitalization.  It can also cause scarring of the pelvic organs.

Incomplete Abortion
Some fetal parts may be mistakenly left inside after the abortion. Bleeding and infection may result.

Sepsis

A number of RU486 or mifepristone users have died as a result of sepsis (total body infection).

Anesthesia

Complications from general anesthesia used during abortion surgery may result in convulsions, heart attack, and in extreme cases, death.  It also increases the risk of other serious complications by two and a half times.

Damage to the Cervix
The cervix may be cut, torn or damaged by abortion instruments.  This can cause excessive bleeding that requires surgical repair.

Scarring of the Uterine Lining
Suction tubing, curettes, and other abortion instruments may cause permanent scarring of the uterine lining.

Perforation of the Uterus
The uterus may be punctured or torn by abortion instruments. The risk of this complication increases with the length of the pregnancy. If this occurs, major surgery may be required, including the removal of the uterus (known as a hysterectomy.

Damage to Internal Organs
When the uterus is punctured or torn, there is also a risk that damage will occur to nearby organs such as the bowel and bladder.

Death
In extreme cases, other physical complications from abortion including excessive bleeding, infection, organ damage from a perforated uterus, and adverse reactions to anesthesia may lead to death. This complication is rare but real.

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Consider Other Risks of Abortion

Abortion and Preterm Birth

Women who undergo one or more induced abortions carry a significant increased risk of delivering prematurely in the future.  Premature delivery is associated with higher rates of cerebral palsy, as well as other complications of prematurity (brain, respiratory, bowel, and eye problems).

Abortion and Breast Cancer
A 1994 study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that, "Among women who had been pregnant at least once, the risk of breast cancer in those who had experienced an induced abortion was 50% higher than among other women."

Medical experts are still researching and debating the linkage between abortion and breast cancer. Here are some important facts:

1) Carrying your first pregnancy to full term gives protection against breast cancer.  Choosing abortion causes loss of that protection. (see World Health Organization "Age of First Birth and Breast Cancer Risk.")
2) A Number of reliable studies have concluded that there may be a link between abortion and the later development of breast cancer.

A 1994 study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found: "Among women who had been pregnant at least once, the risk of breast cancer in those who had experienced an induced abortion was 50% higher than among other women."  For more information on the links between abortion and breast cancer, go to www.abortionbreastcancer.com.

Emotional Impact
There is evidence that abortion is associated with a decrease in emotional health.  For some women these negative emotions may be very strong, and can appear within days or after many years.  This psychological response is a form of post-traumatic stress disorder.  Some of the symptoms are: eating disorders, flashbacks of abortion, relationship problems, suicidal thoughts, guilt, sexual dysfunction, depression and alcohol and drug abuse.

Spiritual Consequences
People have different understandings of God. Whatever your present beliefs may be, there is a spiritual side to abortion that deserves to be considered. Having an abortion may affect more than just your body and your mind -- it may have an impact on your relationship with God. What is God's desire for you in this situation? How does God see your unborn child? These are important questions to consider.

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You have the legal right to choose the outcome of your pregnancy. But real empowerment comes when you find the strength and resources necessary to make your best choice. Here are some other options.

Parenting
Choosing to continue your pregnancy and to parent is very challenging. But with the support of caring people, parenting classes, and other resources, many women find the help they need to make this choice.

Adoption
You may decide to make an adoption plan for your child. Each year many women in Canada make this choice. This loving decision is often made by women who first thought abortion was their only way out.

"Since I could not provide what we needed, the best decision I ever made was to find a loving adoptive family to raise my daughter. She loves her family and loves me too. I didn't give her up, I gave her more." Donna

Help is Available
Facing an unplanned pregnancy can seem overwhelming. That is why knowing where to go for help is important. Talk to someone you can trust - your partner, your parents, a pastor, a priest or perhaps a good friend. Also, the caring people here at the Valley Care Pregnancy Centre are available to help you through this difficult time. If you do not live in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, call 1-800-395-HELP to find a pregnancy center near you.

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REFERENCES

This information (except the reference to the Washington Times article) is taken with permission from a brochure from Care Net entitled, "Before You Decide."
1.F. Gary Cunningham, et al., Williams Obstetrics, McGraw-Hill: 2001.
2.Michigan Department of Community Health, Informed Consent for Abortion, 2001.
3.Andrzej Zachwieja, The Development of the Preborn Child, (photos)
4.American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists Practice Bulletin, number 67, October 2005.
5.Warren Hern, Abortion Practice, Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott Company, 1990.
6.J. Brind, "Induced Abortion as an Independent Risk Factor for Breast Cancer: A Comprehensive Review and Meta-Analysis," Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 50:481-496, 1996.
7.Daling, J. et al, "Risk of Breast Cancer Among Young Women: Relationship to Induced Abortion," Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Volume 86, #21, 1994.
8. Garfinkle, B.,et al, "Stress, Depression, and Suicide: A study of Adolescents in Minnesota," Minneapolis: Univ Minnesota Extension Service, 1986.
9. httpalwww.guttmacher.orglsections/abortion.php
10. Gissler, M., et al, Pregnancy associated deaths in Finland 1987-1994, Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica 76:651-657 (1997).
11. Gissler, M., et al, Pregnancy associated mortality after birth, spontaneous abortion, or induced abortion in Finland, 1987-2000., American Journal of OBIGYN 190: 422-427, 2004.
12. Reardon, et al., Deaths associated with pregnancy outcome, Southern Med Journal, vol 95(8), Aug 2002.
13. Speckard, A. & Rue, V. "Post Abortion Syndrome: An Emerging Public Health Concern" Journal of Social Issues 48:3, 95-120, 1992.
14. Thorp, J.M., et al, Long-term physical and psychological health consequences of induced abortion: review of the evidence, OB GYN Survey, vol 58(1):67-79; 2002.
15. Induced Abortion; ACOG patient education pamphlet; June 2001.
16. Howe, et al, Induced abortion and breast cancer; Int J Epidemiol 18:300-4; 1989.
17. Calhoun, B., Induced abortion and risk of later premature births; J of American Physicians and Surgeons; 8(2): 46-49; 2003.
18. Stenchever, et al, Comprehensive Gynecology, 4th Edition, Mosby, Inc. 2001.
19. Medscape Medical News; FDA Safety Labeling Change: Mifeprex; October 26, 2005. httpalwww.medscape.com/medscapetoday
20. Induction of Labor; ACOG Practice Bulletin 10; Clinical management guidelines for OB/GYNs. Nov 99.
21. Gary, M. and Harrison, D., "Analysis of Severe Adverse Events Related to the Use of Mifepristone as an Abortifacient," The Annals of Pharmacology, vol 40, February 2006.
22. Rue, V.M., Coleman, P.K., et al; "Induced Abortion and Traumatic Stress: A Preliminary Comparison of American and Russian Women".www.medscimonit.com 2004; 10(10): SR5-16.
23. Mifeprex package insert; 2000.
24. FDA Drug Updates: httpa/www.fda.gov/cder/druglinfopagelmifepristonelmifepristone historical.htm
25. Centers for Disease Control, "Abortion Surveillance U.S., 2003," Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report, Nov 24, 20061551SS-11.
26. TeLinde's Operative Gynecology 8th Edition; Editors J.A. Rock and J.D. Thompson; 1997 Lippincott-Raven, pp 485-497.

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