Chapter Thirteen Contraception and Abortion Agenda Discuss History and Considerations Associated with Methods Discuss Contraception Methods Discuss Abortion.
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Transcript Chapter Thirteen Contraception and Abortion Agenda Discuss History and Considerations Associated with Methods Discuss Contraception Methods Discuss Abortion.
Chapter Thirteen
Contraception and Abortion
Agenda
Discuss History and Considerations
Associated with Methods
Discuss Contraception Methods
Discuss Abortion
Class Exercise: Contraception Values
Clarification
Complete the handout entitled “Contraception
Values Clarification.
After you have completed the handout,
discuss your response in small groups.
Introduction
Majority of U.S. pregnancies are not planned
and most are a result of not using
contraception
Factors increasing motivation to use
contraception:
good communication with partner,
lower cost,
effectiveness rates,
frequency of intercourse,
motivation to avoid pregnancy,
side effects,
openness about sexuality
Contraception: History
Contraception in Ancient Times
Contraception in the U.S.: 1800s and
Early 1900s
Contraception Outside the U.S.
Contraception in Ancient Times
Ancient Greeks: magic, superstition, herbs
Egyptians: fumigating female genitalia,
tampon soaked in herbal liquid & honey,
inserting a mixture of crocodile feces, sour
milk, & honey
South Africa: insert vegetable seed pods
Africa: insert a grassy cervical plug
Persia: insert alcohol soaked sponges
Greece: insert empty pomegranate halves
Contraception in the U.S.: 1800s and
Early 1900s
Concern in early 1800s was to curb poverty
by controlling fertility
1873 Comstock laws prohibited dispersing
information about contraceptives, including by
doctors
Contraception use is affected by
Social issues – e.g. desired family size
Economic issues
Knowledge & misinformation
Religion
Gender roles & power – in some areas, men
make the contraceptive decisions; for some it
is the responsibility of both
Choosing a Method of
Contraception
FDA Approval Process
Lifestyle Issues
FDA Approval Process
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) must formally approve the method
10-14 year process to develop a new
contraceptive drug
Drug company submits a new drug
application demonstrating safety in animal
tests & a desire to conduct human trials
FDA Approval Process
3 phases
Phase 1: 20-80 volunteers to test
effectiveness
Phase 2: several hundred to test
effectiveness, side effects, risks
Phase 3: hundreds to thousands are tested
for generalization
Animal trials are conducted throughout the
process
Class Discussion: Lifestyle Issues
Associated with Contraceptive
The following factors seem to be associated
with choosing a contraceptive method:
Own health & risks
Number of sexual partners
Frequency of intercourse
Risk of acquiring a STI
Responsibility level
Method cost
Advantages & disadvantages of the
method
Discuss influence of each.
Contraception Methods
Barrier Methods: Condoms and Caps
Prevent sperm from entering the uterus
Barrier Methods:
Condoms
The Diaphragm
The Contraceptive Sponge
The Cervical Barriers
Condoms
1850 – latex condoms available in the U.S.
$10-$15/dozen
Non-expired condom is rolled onto an erect
penis (foreskin pulled back), ½-inch empty
space at the tip
Water-based lubricants for latex condoms
Condom grasped at base when withdrawing
Latex condoms have lower rates of slippage
& breakage, and offer better STI protection
Condoms
In 1994, female polyurethane/nonlatex
condoms were available
$2 each
7 inches long with 2 flexible rings
Inner ring squeezed and inserted close to the
cervix
Outer ring lies outside the vagina
Adequate lubrication is necessary
Condoms
Effectiveness rates
Latex condoms: 85-98%
Female condoms: 79-95%
Latex & polyurethane protect against STI
transmission
Lambskin condoms block sperm, but contain
holes large enough for viruses to pass
through
Heat can damage condoms
Condoms
Advantages:
STI protection
Encourages male participation
Inexpensive
No prescription necessary
Can reduce premature ejaculation
Can reduce postcoital drip
No medical side effects
Condoms
Disadvantages:
Reduces spontaneity
Can reduce sensation
Female condoms can be difficult to use,
uncomfortable, noisy
Female & male condoms should never be
used together
Popular in some countries, not used in others
The Diaphragm
Not widely used, almost 0% in 2002
Made of latex or silicone
Many sizes and shapes; a fitting by a health
care provider is necessary
$20-$35 diaphragm, $13 spermicidal
jelly/cream, office visit charge
They can last for many years
Diaphragms come in a variety of different shapes and sizes and must be fitted by a health-care
provider.
The Diaphragm
Diaphragm rim is covered in spermicidal jelly
& a tablespoon of jelly is placed in the dome;
it is folded in half and inserted into the vagina
with the front rim tucked under the pubic bone
It should not be felt & should cover the cervix
It can be inserted up to 6 hours prior to
intercourse
Left in for at least 6-8 hours, no more than 24
After use it is washed with soap & water
Instructions for proper insertion of a diaphragm.
The Diaphragm
84-94% effective, lower for those who have
given birth
Advantages:
Increases spontaneity
Some STI & PID protection
Reduces risk of cervical dysplasia &
cancer
Does not affect hormonal levels
Relatively inexpensive
The Diaphragm
Disadvantages:
Physician fitting and prescription
Insertion & removal involves touching the
genitals
Increased risk of toxic shock syndrome
and urinary tract infection
Postcoital drip
Low usage outside the U.S.
The Contraceptive Sponge
The Today contraceptive sponge was taken
off the market for a decade due to issues with
the manufacturing plant; reintroduced in 2005
Available over the counter in one size
The sponge covers the cervix & contains
spermicide; it blocks, absorbs, & deactivates
sperm
One box of 3 sponges is $13
The Today contraceptive sponge was back on the market in late 2005 in the United States.
The Diaphragm
Sponge is moistened with water to activate
the spermicide, folded in half, & inserted to
cover the cervix
Can be inserted up to 24 hours in advance,
with intercourse occurring as many times as
desirable in that time period
Must be left in at least 6 hours after
intercourse
75-89% effectiveness rates
Instructions for proper insertion of a contraceptive sponge.
The Diaphragm
Advantages:
No prescription necessary
Can have intercourse several times within
24 hours
Increase sexual spontaneity
Do not affect hormonal levels
Disposable
The Diaphragm
Disadvantages:
Increased risk of toxic shock syndrome &
urinary tract infection
Cannot be used while menstruating
Requires touching of the genitals
High expense if frequently used
Some men can feel it
Low usage rates in other cultures
The Cervical Barriers
Thimble-shaped, silicone barriers that fit over
the cervix
Block entrance to the uterus & deactivate
sperm with the spermicide
Fitting by a health care provider is necessary
Two types:
FemCap
Lea’s Shield
The FemCap is a silicone cup shaped like a sailor’s hat that fits securely over the cervix.
Lea’s Shield is a silicone cup with a one-way valve and a loop for easier removal.
The Cervical Barriers
$15-75 plus cost of spermicide
Left in place for 8 hours after intercourse
After use, it is washed with soap & water
Not to be used during menstruation
86% effectiveness rate, lower for those who
have had children
The Cervical Barriers
Advantages:
Left in place for up to 48 hours
Do not affect hormonal levels
Immediately effective
Not permanent
One-way release valve in Lea’s Shield
reduces risk of toxic shock syndrome
The Cervical Barriers
Disadvantages:
Abnormal Pap smears
Increased risk of urinary tract infections
Increased vaginal odors
Cervical damage
Increased postcoital drip
Fitting is necessary
Some male partners feel it & may dislodge
it
The Cervical Barriers
Widely used in England
Lea’s Shield is available over the counter in
Germany, Austria, Switzerland, & Canada
Hormonal Methods for Women: The
Pill, the Patch, and More
Changing hormonal levels can deter
production of ova, fertilization, and
implantation
Hormonal Methods for Women: The
Pill, the Patch, and More
Combined-Hormone Methods
Birth Control Pills
Hormonal Ring
Hormonal Patch
Progestin-Only Methods
Subdermal Implants
Hormonal Injectibles
Combined-Hormone Methods
Combination of estrogen & progesterone
Can repress ovulation and thicken cervical
mucus
Birth Control Pills
Federally approved in 1960
Most popular contraceptive in the U.S. and
around the world
Most studied type of medication
Combination birth control pills are $12-25 per
month
Designed to mimic a menstrual cycle, with 21
days of hormones and one off week
Bleeding is medically induced
Birth Control Pills
Some take 2 to 3 packs of active pills in a row
to reduce the number of menstrual periods
Seasonale – 84-day active pill with 7-day
placebo
Reducing periods can help those with heavy
bleeding and cramping
60% of women prefer to not have a period
Birth Control Pills
Increase in estrogen & progesterone prevent
the pituitary from sending hormones to ripen
the ovaries
Cervical mucus thickens & endometrium
buildup is minimal
The body is tricked into thinking it is pregnant
May experience other signs of pregnancy that
usually disappear within a few months
Birth Control Pills
Initially prescribed a low-dose estrogen pill;
increased if breakthrough bleeding occurs
Monophasic pills contain the same dose of
hormones in each pill
Multiphasic pills vary in hormone amount
Triphasil pills have 3 sets, each week the
hormonal dosage increases
92-99.7% effective
Need to take it each day at the same time
Birth Control Pills
Advantages:
High effectiveness rate
Doesn’t interfere with spontaneity
Reduced menstrual flow, cramps, & PMS
Increased menstrual regularity
Reduced risk of ovarian cysts, uterine &
breast fibroids, facial acne, ovarian &
endometrial cancers, PID, benign breast
disease
Birth Control Pills
Disadvantages:
No STI protection
Female’s responsibility; taken daily
Can be expensive
Lower effectiveness if overweight
Not appropriate for smokers
Used throughout the world, although not
popular everywhere; some places have it
over the counter
Hormonal Ring
NuvaRing introduced in 2003
Plastic ring inserted into the vagina once a
month for 3 weeks, removed for 1 week
Affects the body as combination pills do
Body heat & moisture activate a constant
dose of estrogen & progesterone; lower dose
than pills
$30-35 per month
99.7% effective
The NuvaRing is inserted deep into the vagina; moisture and heat cause it to time-release hormones
that inhibit ovulation.
Hormonal Ring
Advantages:
High effectiveness
Doesn’t interfere with spontaneity
Reduces menstrual flow, cramps, PMS
Increases menstrual regularity
Protection from ovarian & endometrial
cancer and ovarian cysts
Fertility restored upon removal
Hormonal Ring
Disadvantages:
Comfortable touching genitals
No STI protection
Side effects that typically disappear with
regular use: breakthrough bleeding, weight
change, breast tenderness, nausea, mood
changes, changes in sexual desire,
increased vaginal irritation & discharge
No data on cross-cultural use
Hormonal Patch
Ortho Evra patch is a thin, peach colored
sticker attached to the skin with time-released
hormones
Placed on buttock, stomach, or upper torso
for 3 weeks, no patch for the 4th week
Affects the body as combination pills do
$30-35 per month
99.7% effective, lower if weigh more than 198
pounds
The Ortho Evra patch is worn on the buttock, abdomen, or upper torso for three weeks each month.
Hormonal Patch
Advantages:
High effectiveness
Doesn’t interfere with spontaneity
Reduces menstrual flow, cramps, PMS
Increases menstrual regularity
Protection from ovarian & endometrial
cancer and ovarian cysts
Hormonal Patch
Disadvantages:
No STI protection
Side effects similar to hormonal ring
Skin irritation
Change in vision, discomfort to contact
wearers
Collects lint
Nearly impossible to conceal from partner
No data on cross-cultural use
Progestin-Only Methods
Do not contain estrogen and can be used by
women that cannot take estrogen, such as
those who are breastfeeding & smokers
Over time, may eliminate periods
May cause slight weight gain, bloatedness, &
breast tenderness
Progestin-Only Methods
Minipill/POPs (progestin-only pills)
Inhibit ovulation and thicken mucus
Fewer side effects than combination pills
92-99.7% effective
More expensive than combination pills
Can cause irregular bleeding
Higher rate of ectopic pregnancies if get
pregnant while taking the minipill
Subdermal Implants
Constant dose of progestin is time released
for up to 5 years
Norplant is no longer available
Jadelle is FDA approved but not marketed in
the U.S.
2 silicone cylinders implanted in the
forearm in a 10 minute procedure; $500+
Implanon is a single-rod approved in 2004
Fertility restored upon removal
Subdermal Implants
Suppresses ovulation, thickens cervical
mucus, unreceptive endometrium
99.95% effective, decreases after the 3rd year
Lower effectiveness rates if over 154 pounds
Advantages:
Effective, long-lasting, reversible
Simple implantation procedure
No estrogen side effects
Decreased menstrual flow, cramping
Subdermal Implants
Disadvantages:
Expensive implantation fees, arm pain,
painful removal, possible scarring
Irregular bleeding, cramping
Headaches, nausea, dizziness, weight
change, rash, acne, hair growth or loss
Vision problems
Popular in South Africa
Hormonal Injectibles
Depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DepoProvera) – synthetic progesterone
Most popular non-oral contraceptive
Injected into the arm or buttock muscle every
3 months
$30-125 per injection
Works within 24 hours
Fertility resumes 10 months after last injection
Hormonal Injectibles
97-99.7% effective
Advantages:
Long lasting injection
Moderately expensive
No estrogen
Decreased menstrual flow & cramping
Decreased risk of endometrial & ovarian
cancers
Allows for spontaneity
Hormonal Injectibles
Disadvantages:
Office visits every 3 months
Irregular bleeding
Fatigue, dizziness, weakness, headaches
Appetite increases
Decrease in bone density
Risk of liver, cervical, and breast cancers
Long return to fertility
Low usage rates in many countries
Chemical Methods for Women:
Spermicides
Spermicides come as foams, gels,
suppositories, creams, foaming tablets, films,
and capsules
Inserted into vagina with applicator or finger
10-30 minutes prior to intercourse
$5-10 over the counter
Can also help reduce STIs
Likely to see microbicides introduced that will
protect from HIV & other STIs
Chemical Methods for Women:
Spermicides
71-82% effective
Effectiveness is reduced if tampons or
douches are used within 6-8 hours
Foam is more effective than other varieties
Advantages:
Over the counter
Provide lubrication
Some protection from STIs
No serious side effects
Chemical Methods for Women:
Spermicides
Disadvantages:
Used each time
Increased postcoital drip
May produce allergic reactions, skin
irritations
Increased risk of urinary tract infections
Unpleasant taste
Widely used in some countries, and not used
much in other countries
Intrauterine Methods for Women: IUDs
and IUSs
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
ParaGard Copper T – can be left in for 12
years
Intrauterine System (IUS)
Mirena – IUD that contains time-released
progestin; can be left in for 5 years
Most IUD & IUS users are 35 or older
$150-300 plus office visit
Intrauterine Methods for Women: IUDs
and IUSs
IUDs & IUSs create a slight infection in the
uterus that obstructs sperm mobility
Progesterone from the IUS also affects the
endometrium, hampering implantation
Health care providers insert the IUD
Each month the woman must check for the
string to assure it is still in place
99.2-99.9% effective, lower if never pregnant
Insertion of an IUD.
Intrauterine Methods for Women: IUDs
and IUSs
Advantages:
Least expensive method over time
Allows for spontaneity
Decreases menstrual flow (Mirena)
Long lasting effects
Intrauterine Methods for Women: IUDs
and IUSs
Disadvantages:
No STI protection
Risk of uterine perforation and PID
Irregular bleeding
Painful insertion & removal
Increased menstrual flow and cramping
May be expelled from uterus
May cause discomfort to the partner
Widely used through most of the world
Natural Methods for Women and Men
Natural Family Planning and Fertility
Awareness
Withdrawal
Abstinence
Natural Family Planning and Fertility
Awareness
Involves a woman charting her menstrual
periods and determining ovulation by daily
monitoring of basal body temperature and
checking cervical mucus
Body temperature rises 0.4-0.8°F before
ovulation & remains elevated until
menstruation
Cervical mucus is thin, stretchy during
ovulation
Natural Family Planning and Fertility
Awareness
Abstinence is practiced during ovulation
Or a form of birth control is used during
ovulation (fertility awareness)
Mostly used by women spacing pregnancies
that are not as concerned about prevention
Ovulation kits can also be used
75-99% effective
Natural Family Planning and Fertility
Awareness
Advantages:
Useful if other methods are not acceptable
for religious reasons
Inexpensive
Educates about the menstrual cycle
Encourages partner communication
No side effects
Natural Family Planning and Fertility
Awareness
Disadvantages:
No STI protection
Restricts spontaneity
Low effectiveness
Takes time & commitment
Several cycles need to be recorded before
it is reliable
Widely used in many countries, particularly
Catholic countries
Withdrawal
Also called coitus interruptus
Just before ejaculation, the male withdraws
his penis and ejaculates outside of the
woman
73-96% effective
Sperm may remain in urethra from previous
ejaculations & impregnate without the male
ejaculating inside of the woman
Withdrawal
Advantages:
Useful if other methods are not acceptable
for religious reasons
No costs
Good if couples aren’t concerned about
prevention
Withdrawal
Disadvantages:
No STI protection
Low effectiveness
May lead to premature ejaculation
May be stressful
Requires trust & restraint
Widely used in many countries
Abstinence
Refraining from sexual intercourse
100% effective
Protects against STIs
Permanent (Surgical) Methods
A woman may be fertile until 50-51 years
A man may be fertile most of his life
Sterilization in one of the safest & most
effective contraceptive methods
Surgery that is typically irreversible
Two types:
Female Sterilization
Male Sterilization
Female Sterilization
Also called tubal sterilization or getting “tubes
tied”
A small incision is made under the navel or
lower in the abdomen
Both Fallopian tubes are blocked through
cauterization, rings, bands, clips, plugs, or
clamps, or the tubes may be cut
This procedure uses general anesthesia as
outpatient surgery or after childbirth
Essure is a permanent method of contraception.
Female Sterilization
A woman still ovulates, but the egg can’t enter
the uterus
$2000-5000
Risks: anesthesia side effects, bleeding,
infection, injury to other organs
Reduces risk of ovarian cancer
Most widely used birth control method in the
world
Male Sterilization
A vasectomy impedes the travel of sperm
through the vas deferens
Cheaper, safer, & simpler than tubal
sterilization
Two ¼ to ½ inch incisions are made in the
scrotum and the vas deferens is snipped,
clipped, or cauterized under local anesthesia
20 minute procedure
The man ejaculates semen without sperm
In a vasectomy, each vas deferens is clipped, cut, or cauterized. A vasclip uses a flexible plastic clip to
block the vas deferens.
Male Sterilization
After surgery, sperm for 20 more ejaculations
remains
Sperm counts are checked 2-3 months later
to check sterility
$300-750
Risks: swelling, bruising, internal bleeding,
infection
99-99.9% effective
Permanent (Surgical) Methods
Advantages:
High effectiveness
Permanent
Allows for spontaneity
Disadvantages:
Expensive, irreversible surgery
No STI protection
Widely used throughout the world
Abortion
The Abortion Debate
Why Do Women Have Abortions?
Abortion Procedures
Reactions to Abortion
Teens and Abortion
Cross-Cultural Aspects of Abortion
Class Exercise: Abortion
A fertilized egg is a human being from the moment
the sperm and egg unite.
The rights of the fetus always take precedence over
the rights of the mother.
Parental consent should be required for teenagers
seeking abortion.
Spousal consent should be required for married
women seeking abortion.
I support a woman’s right to choose in any and all
circumstances.
I support a woman’s right to choose if the
pregnancy resulted from a rape.
I support a woman’s right to choose if the
pregnancy resulted from contraceptive failure.
Exercise (cont.)
I believe abortion is justified if the woman feels that
she is not ready for this child.
I believe abortion is justified if a serious birth defect
has been detected via amniocentesis.
I believe abortion is justified if the couple already has
5 children and the woman unexpectedly becomes
pregnant again.
I believe abortion is justified if parents of two boys
discover they are pregnant again with a third boy, and
they were really hoping for a girl.
I believe abortion should be legal.
There should be a mandatory 24-hour waiting period
for all women seeking an abortion.
Adoption could solve the problem of “unwanted
children.”
The Abortion Debate
Pro-Life versus Pro-Choice
Historical Perspectives
Legal versus Illegal Abortions
Pro-Life versus Pro-Choice
Pro-life supporters: an embryo at any stage of
development is a person and aborting a fetus
is murder
Pro-choice supporters: it is a woman’s choice
and the government should not control her
body
No gender differences in abortion attitudes
Historical Perspectives
Abortion has been practiced throughout time
in many societies
Religion has determined attitudes for most of
western history
In 1965, all U.S. states banned abortion with
some exceptions
Illegal (back-alley) abortions were often
performed in unsanitary conditions and
produced many complications, even death
Historical Perspectives
In 1973, Roe v. Wade protected a woman’s
right to have an abortion in the 1st trimester
2nd trimester abortions regulated by states
3rd trimester abortions can be limited or
banned by states, unless a woman is at risk
In 1992, the Supreme Court gave states the
right to restrict abortions through waiting
periods, mandatory counseling, parental
consent, public funding limitations
Historical Perspectives
In 1994, Supreme Court barred anti-abortion
demonstrators from getting within 36 feet of
an abortion clinic
Louisiana has the most restrictions
New York, California, & Washington state
have been most protective of their abortion
laws
Legal versus Illegal Abortions
Since legalization in 1973, deaths from
abortion decreased significantly
Video: “If these Walls Could Talk”
Why Do Women Have Abortions?
Baby would interfere with life goals
Lack financial resources
Poor relationship with the father
Don't want others to know they had sex
Partner and/or family pressure
Fetal deformity or risk to mother’s health
Rape
54% of women who had an abortion used
contraception when they became pregnant
Abortion Procedures
One of the most common surgical procedures
in the U.S.; most performed in abortion clinics
Surgery involves risks
Most serious risks are uterine perforation,
hemorrhaging, cervical laceration, infection,
complications with anesthesia, death
Risks increase with the use of general
anesthesia and the further along the
pregnancy is
Abortion Procedures
First-trimester Surgical Abortion
Second-trimester Surgical Abortion
Medical Abortion
Mifepristone (RU-486)
Methotrexate
First-Trimester Surgical Abortion
Vacuum aspiration – before 14 weeks
gestation
Usually an outpatient surgery with local
anesthesia
88% of abortions
Woman lies on examining table, feet in
stirrups
Speculum is placed in the vagina, cervix is
anesthetized, & dilation rods open the cervix
First-Trimester Surgical Abortion
A cannula that is attached to a vacuum
aspirator is put into the cervix, the content of
the uterus is emptied
Takes 4-6 minutes, with a few hour stay after
After she needs to rest, bleeding and
cramping is likely
Risks: excessive bleeding, infection, uterine
perforation
Second-Trimester Surgical Abortion
Between 14-21 weeks
11% of abortions
Reasons for a late abortion: medical
complications, fetal deformity, divorce/marital
problems, miscalculation of due date,
financial or geographic problems
Second-Trimester Surgical Abortion
Dilation & evacuation procedure: 13-16
weeks
Similar to vacuum aspiration, but in a hospital
under general anesthesia
15-30 minute procedure
More complicated than 1st trimester, with
more pain, blood loss, & cervical trauma
Second-Trimester Surgical Abortion
Induced labor procedure used in late 2nd
trimester
Needle inserted into amniotic sac and drains
the fluid; the sac is injected with saline or
prostaglandin
Fetus is delivered 19-22 hours later
Can be painful emotionally & physically
Risks: nausea, diarrhea, cervical problems,
uterine rupture, risk of death
Second-Trimester Surgical Abortion
Hysterotomy – used in emergency situations
Abdomen is opened to remove the fetus
Similar to a cesarean section, with a 5-7
day hospital stay
Hysterectomy – removal of the fetus and
uterus
Rarely used
Medical Abortion
Two drugs:
Mifepristone (RU-486)
Methotrexate
They are used with a prostaglandin to
produce contractions and expel the contents
2-3 office visits are required; $350-650
Advantages over surgical abortion: no
anesthesia; it seems more like a miscarriage
Increased risk of bacterial infection
RU-486
An antiprogestin that inhibits progesterone
production, breaking down the uterine lining
3 RU-486 pills are taken; 2 days later the
prostaglandin is taken, which produces
uterine contractions
95-97% effective
Can be used up to 9 weeks gestation
Mifepristone produces bleeding within 4-5
hours, and it continues for up to 13 days
Methotrexate
Methotrexate produces bleeding that may last
1 month or more
It is injected and ceases the development of
the zygote cells
The prostaglandin produces contractions and
expels the uterine contents
Can be used up to 9 weeks gestation
Reactions to Abortion
Women’s Reactions
Physiological Symptoms
Psychological Symptoms
Men’s Reactions
Women’s Reactions
Physiological symptoms:
Surgeon General’s report found
physiological health consequences
(infertility, miscarriage, premature birth, low
birth weight) no more common in women
who have had abortions compared to the
general population of women
Immediately following the procedure:
cramping, heavy bleeding, nausea
Women’s Reactions
Psychological symptoms:
A woman’s feelings are often correlated
with her society’s views on abortion
There is little known about reactions to
medical abortions
Many women cycle through feelings of
relief, happiness, shame, guilt, fear of
disapproval, regret, anxiety, depression,
doubt, anger, sense of loss, sadness
Women’s Reactions
10% of cases a woman has severe feelings
Factors in severe psychological symptoms:
Young
Lack family or partner support
Persuaded to have an abortion or difficult
time making the decision
Strong religious & moral background
Medical or genetic reasons for abortion
History of psychiatric problems
Men’s Reactions
Abortion may cause couples to break up or
may increase communication in a relationship
and strengthen it
Supportive partners are more positive
following the procedure
Men can feel sadness, a sense of loss, fear
for partner’s well being, isolated, angry
Men lack counseling services to help them
through this time
Teens and Abortion
Some states require parental notification or
consent
In lieu of that, they may request a judicial
bypass option
In states without mandatory parental
involvement, 75% of minors involve at least
one parent in the process
Cross-Cultural Aspects of Abortion
About 40% of worldwide pregnancies are
unplanned
20% are aborted
Lowest abortion rates are in Ireland,
Netherlands, Belgium, & Spain
Highest abortion rates are in Cuba, Vietnam,
Romania, & India
1.3 million abortions each year in the U.S.
Cross-Cultural Aspects of Abortion
25% of countries have strong restrictions on
abortion
20 million unsafe abortions occur each year
by taking drugs, inserting objects into the
vagina or flushing it with liquids, or forcefully
massaging the abdomen
Medical abortion is widely used outside the
U.S.