Abortion Flashcards
At what stage of the gestation period is abortion safer?
Earlier in the gestation period
What is the latest stage you can have an abortion in Scotland?
20 weeks
What 2 medications are taken in a medical abortion?
Mifepristone
Misoprostol
How is Mifepristone taken?
Taken in the clinic
As an oral tablet
How is Misoprostol taken?
Taken at home
24-48 hours later
How often is Misoprostol taken?
It is taken every 3 hours until expulsion of the pregnancy
Up to how may weeks can a medical abortion be carried out?
10 weeks
What happens during a medical abortion?
Painful, heavy bleeding
What is the patient required to do after a medical abortion?
Take a pregnancy test
Why does the patient have to take a pregnancy test after a medical abortion?
In case of an incomplete procedure
What are the 3 different types of surgical abortion?
Manual Vacuum Aspiration
Suction abortion
Dilatation and Evacuation
What are the advantages of doing a surgical abortion under local anaesthetic?
Shorter time in hospital
Over in less time than a medical abortion
What are the disadvantages of doing a surgical abortion under local anaesthetic?
Painful
Aware of treatment and intimate examination
What are the advantages of doing a surgical abortion under general anaesthetic?
Pain free
What are the disadvantages of doing a surgical abortion under general anaesthetic?
Longer recovery time
Have the risks associated with anaesthesia
What are the advantages of a surgical abortion?
Less risk of retained tissue
Can fit intrauterine contraception immediately
Shorter post-procedural bleeding
What are the disadvantages of a surgical abortion?
Risk of uterine perforation
Risk of cervical damage
What are 2 points in the argument for abortion?
The rights of the woman to make choices about her health and life
Allow the woman to make choices about her body and reproduction
What are 2 points against abortion?
Right to life of the fetus
Abortion damaging psychologically to the woman
Religious grounds
What does no country have in relation to abortion?
A zero abortion rate
What impact does more legal restrictions have on abortion?
Increase the number of unsafe abortions
What fraction of women in the UK will have an abortion?
1/3
What percentage of teenagers who get pregnant get an abortion?
50%
Who is allowed a contentious objection when it comes to abortion?
Medical staff that are participating in the abortion procedure
What does a contentious objection allow?
The right to opt out of providing abortion care on an individual level
What do people who opt out of giving an abortion due to a contentious objection have to ensure?
That the woman is still able to access that care (an abortion)
What does a contentious objection to abortion not include?
Care for a pregnant women who is considering abortion
Medical or nursing care provided to a woman currently undergoing abortion treatment
What countries does the 1967 abortion act cover?
Scotland
England
Wales
What are the 3 parts to the abortion process according to the 1967 abortion act?
Two doctors must certify in good faith that at least on of five clauses apply to the woman requesting abortion
Agree on one clause
Must have an insight or understanding on the woman’s individual circumstances
