About Abortion

Abortions are usually performed between six and twelve weeks of pregnancy. Abortions are also performed routinely up to sixteen weeks and then less often into the later months of pregnancy. Women obtain abortions for a number of reasons, usually having to do with relationship and interpersonal issues (see box) but other concerns like health of the mother, health of the fetus, or finances may factor into the decision.
Abortions may be performed at a hospital, doctor's office, or women's health center, but most take place at abortion clinics -- facilities which specialize in surgical abortion. Most states require that the abortion be performed by a licensed physician, but some do not. In these cases the procedure may be done by a nurse or other clinician.

An abortion may be performed either surgically or medically, via several different techniques. Surgically implies the use of surgical instruments to remove the unborn child or injections to kill the fetus while still in the uterus. Medically implies the administration of drugs to the pregnant woman to end the pregnancy. In both of these cases it is the death and removal of the fetus, or unborn child, from the womb that causes the pregnancy to end. Abortion, like any surgical procedure, carries a number of health risks which are increasingly more serious with the advancement of the pregnancy.

The unborn child is actually alive before the abortion takes place, and there is strong evidence that the unborn child can feel pain as early as twelve weeks. The abortion procedure is believed to be painful for the unborn child because no anesthetics are given to the fetus. In the case of a surgical abortion, anesthetic is usually administered to the pregnant woman to decrease the pain from the procedure. Many women elect general anesthetic for their abortion.

The moral and legal status of abortion is controversial for many reasons. Because the main point of abortion is to end the life of an unborn child, many see it as no different than killing a defenseless infant. Others see abortion as an essential choice that is needed to give women all the same advantages and choices of men. Presently, the United States government and judicial system agree that the rights of the woman outweigh any rights the fetus may have.

A Closer Look at Abortion in the United States
  • Half of all pregnancies to American women are unintended; half of these end in abortion.
  • In 2002, 1.29 million abortions occurred.
  • At current rates, about one in three American women will have had an abortion by the time she reaches age 45.
  • 88% of abortions occur in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

About U.S. women having abortions

  • 56% of women having abortions are in their 20s
  • 61% have one or more children
  • 67% have never married
  • 57% are economically disadvantaged
  • 88% live in a metropolitan area
  • 78% report a religious affiliation
  • Over half intend to have (more) children in the future.

Why do Women Have Abortions?
Most U.S. women cite more than one factor contributing to their decision to have an abortion:

  • Three-quarters say that having a baby would interfere with work, school or other responsibilities;
  • About two-thirds say they cannot afford to have a child;
  • Half say they do not want to be a single parent or are having problems with their husband or partner.

Source: AGI, An Overview of Abortion in the United States June 2005, & In the Know: Questions About Pregnancy, Contraception and Abortion. March 2004.

Considering Abortion?

It is the experience of many crisis pregnancy counselors and therapists that elective abortion takes a heavy emotional toll on women. This is because many women make the abortion decision in a panicked state and do not take the time to carefully weigh their options. Many women choose abortion unaware of the details of the procedure, the development of the unborn child, and how relationships will be affected by the experience. Although there are women who believe that abortion was their best choice, many others regret the decision. Sometimes women are physically injured by an abortion or their future fertility is impaired. A few women are killed each year as a result of an abortion procedure gone tragically wrong.

If you are considering abortion, you are encouraged to think about all facets of your decision so that you make an informed choice. You need to make a decision you can live with. The more you can learn about abortion and alternatives to abortion, the less likely it is that you will make a decision that you will later regret.

Contact us at 214-618-9352

A caring lay counselor can help you explore all your options.

Credits: "About Abortion," copyright Terwilliger Web Development Services (www.ter-web.com), 2005-2010. Used with permission.