Glossary: Abortion
Glossary: Abortion
abor·tion | \ ə-ˈbȯr-shən \
1: the termination of a pregnancy after, accompanied by, resulting in, or closely followed by the death of the embryo or fetus: such as
a: spontaneous expulsion of a human fetus during the first 12 weeks of gestation
b: induced expulsion of a human fetus
c: expulsion of a fetus by a domestic animal often due to infection at any time before completion of pregnancy
. . .
Abortion is a the safe termination of a pregnancy by the removal of an embryo or fetus. There are a couple of modern methods of abortion: medically and surgical. In 2000, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the drug mifepristone as a method of terminating pregnancies. Mifepristone works by taking it together with Misoprostol, this drug combination is known as medication abortion or “abortion pill.” According to the Guttmacher Institute, about 54% of abortions in the U.S. can be attributed to the abortion pill. As of today, medication abortion is approved and available, and can be used for up to 70 days gestation.
With the recent overturn of Roe v. Wade landmark decision, abortion laws vary depending on your state. We recommend reviewing your state regulation prior to seeking abortion services.
Surgical abortion also known as suction aspiration abortion is typically a one-day procedure that can be done if the individual is less than 14 weeks (first trimester) since the last day of their period. The procedure is done by a doctor with local anesthesia and oral pain-medication.
Learn more about the preparation and process of a surgical abortion here.
Resources:
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Mifeprex (mifepristone) information. U.S. Food and DrugAdministration.https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information. Accessed June 29, 2022.
Institute G. Interactive map: US abortion policies and access after Roe. Guttmacher Institute. https://states.guttmacher.org/policies/. Accessed June 29, 2022.
UCSF Health. Surgical abortion (first trimester). ucsfhealth.org. https://www.ucsfhealth.org/treatments/surgical-abortion-first-trimester. Published October 7, 2020. Accessed June 29, 2022.
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