Abortion

Abortion is the termination of pregnancy before the embryo or fetus can develop to the stage at which it can be born alive. Abortion usually is considered as induced abortion. However, in medical terms, it also includes spontaneous abortion (miscarriage), which might be due to natural causes or accidental situations. Researchers have found that unintended pregnancies are the roots of abortion, and most unintended pregnancies result from not using any contraceptive. Recent studies also show that abortion rates around the world are lowest where abortion is legal and widely available, and contraceptive use is high. There are both medical and surgical procedures for induced abortion; choice of procedure depends on the number of weeks of the pregnancy, the laws, local availability, and doctor/patient preferences.

Reasons for seeking an abortion, from a legal view, include saving the mother's life, preserving the mother's physical or mental health, rape or incest, fetal impairment, social or economic reasons, and no reasons. Abortion laws and policies have changed numerous times in various countries around the world. Pro-life and pro-choice groups often seek support from lawmakers and policymakers. However, no study has shown that the level of restrictions in abortion laws significantly affects abortion rates. The abortion debate within society is a notable phenomenon and influences public opinion and attitudes toward induced abortion. There are debates on the issues of pro-life and prochoice, physical and mental health, minors' consent with parental involvement, and other controversies.

Whether the abortion is induced or spontaneous, the situation may profoundly affect the woman and her partner or family members in various ways, including physical, psychological, spiritual, and social ways. Therefore, abortion counseling or consultation plays an important role in the course of abortion for the woman, starting from the point of being informed about the unintended pregnancy or impaired development of the fetus and ending in a recovery room after the procedure has been performed.

History and Trends of Abortion

Before the 19th century, induced abortion was applied as a way of birth control in many countries. Pregnancies in early months terminated by using herbs, sharp instruments, or other techniques were generally accepted. In 1861, the Offences Against the Person Act was passed to outlaw abortion in the United Kingdom, and the Roman Catholic Church also prohibited abortion under all circumstances in 1869. Similar opinions prevailed in other countries thereafter.

Key findings on abortion trends around the world during the period 1995 to 2003, reported by the Guttmacher Institute, include (a) the global abortion rate had declined, (b) abortion rates had declined more in developed countries than in developing countries, (c) the rates had dropped most dramatically in Eastern Europe and Central [Page 2]Asia, and (d) unsafe abortion rates had increased. Studies have found that the patterns of using contraception can affect abortion levels. This includes contraceptive availability, effectiveness, service quality, and improved technology. There is no evidence showing that the level of restrictions in abortion laws affects abortion rates.

European countries also experienced that a combination of sufficient information on contraception and societal acceptance of adolescent sexual relationships would lower unintended pregnancies among teenagers.

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