Abortion

Definition

An abortion can be defined as the removal or expulsion from the uterus of an embryo or fetus, resulting in or caused by its death. When abortion is discussed by the media or in the political arena, many refer to one that was chosen or induced. According to the medical profession, there are many types of and reasons for an abortion, including (a) spontaneous (miscarriage) and (b) induced (therapeutic and induced). A spontaneous abortion or miscarriage may occur due to an accident or natural causes at any time during pregnancy. Up to 50% of all pregnancies, depending on the age and prenatal care the mother receives, end in a miscarriage. A therapeutic abortion may be used to either save the life of the mother or, in the case of multiple births, end one fetus to save two others. Another case of therapeutic abortion may be to kill a fetus that has been determined to have a fatal disorder that would die if brought to full term. For the remainder of this piece when the word abortion is used, it will refer to the general understanding of a chosen termination of pregnancy.

Historical Context of Abortion

The termination of pregnancy has been practiced virtually by most civilizations and by many cultures since ancient times even though many religious doctrines have been interpreted as denouncing the use of abortion as immortal and sinful. Pregnancies have been terminated through a number of methods, including the administration of herbs, the application of abdominal pressure, and the use of sharpened implements. The ancient Greeks relied on herbs and [Page 7]also suggested that women wanting to abort their pregnancies should engage in vigorous exercises. By 1869, the Catholic Church declared abortion a sin punishable by excommunication. Around the same time, women's choices had expanded to pills, powders, and mechanical devices with varying degrees of effectiveness and safety. During this time, the mortality rate from abortion was high, whereas the mortality rate from childbirth was less than 3%.

Only during the past 100 years or so has legislation been passed regulating the practice of abortion. There are no records on the number of abortions performed during this time. The laws in the United States varied until 1800. Assisted by the American Medical Association, bans regarding the practice of abortion were enacted by states, beginning in 1821 and continuing throughout the 19th century. In the United States, legislation regarding abortion has varied with the times. Thus began a steady business in illegal abortions, some of which were done by incompetent doctors in unsafe conditions. Eventually, the development of surgical abortion using standard antiseptic methods made abortion more effective and safer for the mother. The introduction of penicillin in the 20th century reduced the incidence of maternal death enormously.

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