L11-Abortion

Question 1

What is abortion known as in clinical practice?

Answer 1

Termination of pregnancy

Question 2

What is the law on abortion?

Answer 2

Before the abortion act it was a crime punishable by life inprisonment. Still applies to abortions done outside of legal provision

Question 3

Who must the doctor notify of the abortion and when?

Answer 3

The doctor must notify the CMO within 14 days of the abortion - must send a completed HSA4 form.

Question 4

What is section 1)a) of the abortion act?

Answer 4

The pregnancy has not exceeded its 24th week and continuence of the pregnany would involve risk, greater than if the pregnancy were terminated, of injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman or any existing children.

Question 5

What is section 1)b) of the abortion act?

Answer 5

The termination is nessesary to prevent grave permanent injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman

Question 6

What is section 1)c) of the abortion act?

Answer 6

The continuance of the pregnancy would involve risk to the life of the pregnant woman greater than if the pregnancy was terminated.

Question 7

What is section 1)d) of the abortion act?

Answer 7

There is substantial risk that if the child were born that it would suffer from such physical or mental abnormalities as to be seriously handicapped.

Question 8

What is the problem with section d and the law?

Answer 8

Law does not define seriously handicapped so it is a judgement call of the doctor.

Question 9

What is feticide?

Answer 9

Ending the life of the foetus before the termination occurs. This prevents the foetus from being born alive.

Question 10

What is the debate about cleft lip and palate?

Answer 10

This is currently grounds to terminate a pregnancy on the NHS but it is debated if this is a serious handicap.

Question 11

What are the main reasons for termination of pregnancy if the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy?

Answer 11

In the first trimester - panic, contraceptive failure
Second trimester - relationship changes, prolonged consideration
Third trimester - foetal handicap

Question 12

What is the legislation behind conscientious objection?

Answer 12

There is no duty for a doctor to participate in any treatment. Exception is section b and c as doctors must participate to save the mother.