Inside the abortion conversation
Every day, women worldwide face a difficult decision about pregnancy termination.
The abortion debate is complex, with strong arguments on both sides rooted in deeply held values.
Approximately 73 million induced abortions occur annually, with unsafe abortions causing 30,000 deaths, mostly in regions with restricted access.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) stresses that access to safe abortion care is a critical public health issue.
Abortion laws vary globally, affecting women's access to safe care.
This article aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the abortion debate.
After an abortion, the reproductive system and human body undergo significant changes.
Women may experience bleeding, cramping, and hormonal fluctuations as the uterus sheds its lining.
Cramping is common, similar to menstrual cramps. Hormonal changes occur rapidly, leading to symptoms like mood swings, fatigue and breast tenderness.
Some women may experience breast engorgement and lactation.
Safety, risks
Abortion is generally safe with qualified professionals. Potential risks include infection, bleeding and cervical or uterine damage.
Haemorrhage risk is about 1 in 1,000 abortions.
Untreated STIs increase infection risk.
Chlamydia infection can lead to PID (23 per cent risk). Uterine perforation occurs in 0.1-3.0 per 1,000 abortions. Cervical lacerations can occur, especially in second-trimester abortions.
Infertility risk is low. Women may face mental health risks. Induced abortion increases reproductive health risks. One abortion increases preterm birth risk by 25-27 per cent.
Rarely, abortion can lead to severe complications such as sepsis and death.
Approximately 68,000 women die annually from unsafe abortion complications.
Abortion may not directly cause infertility, but complications can increase the risk.
Safe abortions typically don't affect future fertility, but complications like uterine injury, pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical or uterine damage can occur.
Intrauterine adhesions can cause menstrual issues and infertility.
The infertility risk varies depending on individual factors and is generally low for safe and legal abortions in early pregnancy.
Multiple abortions may increase infertility risk due to scarring and complications.
Abortion, breast cancer
There's no significant link between abortion and breast cancer. Numerous studies, including large-scale ones, support this conclusion.
A New England Journal of Medicine study of over 100,000 women found no increased breast cancer risk after medical abortion.
A Lancet Oncology meta-analysis of 53 studies also found no increased risk.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists agree there's no causal relationship between abortion and breast cancer.
This is influenced by individual circumstances and societal pressures.
Women may experience relief, guilt, regret, sadness or anxiety. Research shows women's emotional responses vary widely.
Some women may face depression or PTSD.
Pre-existing mental health conditions, cultural norms and personal values influence emotional responses.
Abortion, society
Stigma and shame affect individuals' experiences. Cultural norms influence abortion legislation worldwide (Sedgh et al., Studies on abortion legislation). Different cultures perceive reproduction and family planning differently. Countries with traditional gender roles often have restrictive laws.
Predominantly religious countries have stricter abortion laws.
Abortion stigma leads to social exclusion and severe consequences. Research shows women in countries like Kenya face extreme stigma (Hynie et al., Abortion stigma).
Some individuals may experience regret or negative emotions after an abortion.
A study found women reported relief, guilt and regret after abortions, with some experiencing long-term emotional distress (Broen et al., 2005).
Women with a history of trauma or mental health issues may be more vulnerable to negative emotions (Steinberg et al., 2014).
Significance, consequences
Restrictive policies increase maternal mortality and morbidity.
These policies also increase healthcare costs (Vlassoff et al., Cost of Post-Abortion Care).
Women denied safe abortion care may experience stress and depression.
Permissive policies promote reproductive autonomy and economic growth (Bloom et al., Economic Benefits).
Restrictive policies increase infant mortality rates (Grossman et al., Impact of Abortion Ban).
The WHO emphasises access to safe abortion care as a critical public health issue.
Abortion is a complex issue. Understanding its complexities is crucial for informed decisions.
Restrictive laws lead to unsafe abortions.
Access to safe abortion is vital for women's health and rights.
The writer is a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine,
Medical Journalist, & Medical Laboratory Technologist.
E-mail: kofiappiah803@gmail.com
