Abortion

Question 1

Outline the legal grounds for abortion in the UK

Answer 1

• <24wks + any risk to pregnant women or existing children in the family
• >24wks + risk to life, grave permanent injury or severe fetal abnormality

Question 2

Outline the surgical methods of abortion

Answer 2

• Curettage [7-13wks]
• Dilatation & evacuation [>13wks]
• • Antibiotics

Question 3

Outline the medical methods of abortion

Answer 3

• Mifepristone + prostaglandin 2d later [eg misoprostal]
  
  • Most effective: 0-9wks & 13-24wks
  • >22wks: Feticide using KCl via umbilical vein/ fetal heart
  • Possible to use just prostaglandin

Question 4

Outline the complications of abortion

Answer 4

• Haemorrhage
• Infection [10%]
• Uterine perforation
• Cervical trauma
• Failure
• Multiple surgical abortions inc risk of subsequent preterm delivery
• Psychological sequelae common