Medical Health Encyclopedia

Abortion

Indications:

There are several reasons an abortion might be considered:

• The woman may not wish to be pregnant (elective termination)
• The woman's health is endangered by pregnancy (therapeutic abortion)
• There is an abnormality in the developing fetus (birth defect, genetic abnormality)

The decision to end a pregnancy is intensely personal. Most health care providers recommend careful counseling before making such a decision.

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Because abortion is a controversial issue in the U.S., a woman who chooses to end a pregnancy may feel she cannot share her decision with others. Therefore, it is important for her to examine her support system and identify those people who may be capable of helping her through what may be a difficult time.

It is also important to choose a reputable provider or clinic that advocates choice for women. In many communities, crisis pregnancy centers offer counseling that is designed to dissuade women from choosing abortion. Women who are trying to make this difficult decision should avoid crisis pregnancy centers, and instead find a safe environment in which they can obtain adequate counseling regarding all options for pregnancy resolution.

If a woman chooses to have an abortion, she should find a safe place to have the procedure performed, and obtain the support and follow-up care that may be necessary after the abortion.

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