LET’S TALK ABOUT ABORTION

What is Abortion? 

WHO defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Making health for all a reality, and moving towards the progressive realization of human rights, requires that all individuals have access to quality health care, including comprehensive abortion care services – which includes information, management of abortion, and post-abortion care. Lack of access to safe, timely, affordable and respectful abortion care poses a risk to not only the physical, but also the mental and social, well-being of women and girls. 

The definition of abortion varies from country to country and cuts across social, political, philosophical and religious boundaries. The National Center for Health Statistics, The Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization define abortion as the termination of pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation or of fetus weighing less than 500 g. 

The availability and legality of abortion varies greatly by country and region. In some places, abortion is highly restricted or even illegal, while in others it is widely available and legal. Additionally, the use of modern methods of abortion, such as medication abortion, is increasing globally. 

In developed countries, the abortion rate is typically lower than in developing countries. However, the abortion rate varies widely among developed countries. According to a 2020 report by the Guttmacher Institute, the abortion rate in the United States was 14.6 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age. In contrast, the abortion rate in Canada was 9.5 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age. 

In developing countries, the availability and legality of abortion varies widely. In many parts of Africa, for example, abortion is highly restricted or illegal. According to a 2019 report by the Guttmacher Institute, the abortion rate in Africa was 29 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age.

KEY FACTS ABOUT ABORTION

• Abortion is a common health intervention. It is safe when carried out using a method recommended by WHO, appropriate to the pregnancy duration and by someone with the necessary skills. 
• Six out of 10 of all unintended pregnancies end in an induced abortion. 
• Around 45% of all abortions are unsafe, of which 97% take place in developing countries. 
• Unsafe abortion is a leading – but preventable – cause of maternal deaths and morbidities. It can lead to physical and mental health complications and social and financial burdens for women, communities and health systems. 
• Lack of access to safe, timely, affordable and respectful abortion care is a critical public health and human rights issue. 

Types of Abortion 

There are two main types of abortion: medical abortion and surgical abortion. 

Medical abortion involves the use of drugs to end a pregnancy. This type of abortion can be done up to 10 weeks after the start of the last menstrual period. The drugs used for medical abortion are mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone is taken first, which stops the pregnancy from growing. Misoprostol is taken 24 to 48 hours later, which causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. 

Surgical abortion involves the use of instruments to remove the fetus or embryo from the uterus. This can be done through vacuum aspiration, in which a suction device is used to remove the pregnancy, or dilation and evacuation (D&E), in which the cervix is dilated and the pregnancy is removed with instruments. Surgical abortion can be done up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, depending on the laws and regulations of the country. 

Key facts: 

• A person can have an abortion by taking medication or undergoing surgery. 
• The stage of the pregnancy usually determines the type of abortion. 
• In the United States, different states have different laws on whether or when a person can have an abortion. 

On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that secured a person’s constitutional right to an abortion. 

This means that individual states are now able to decide their own abortion laws. As a result, some states have banned or severely restrict abortion access. 

Why People Seek/Have Abortion 

When Does Life Begin?

According to a report by the American College of Pediatricians in March 2017, the predominance of human biological research confirms that human life begins at fertilization.  At fertilization, the human being emerges as a whole, genetically distinct, individuated zygotic living human organism, a member of the species Homo sapiens, needing only the proper environment in order to grow and develop. The difference between the individual in its adult stage and in its zygotic stage is one of form, not nature. This statement focuses on the scientific evidence of when an individual human life begins.

“However, what is controversial is whether this genetically unique cell should be considered a human person.”

The question of when life begins is a complex and highly debated topic, and opinions on it can vary greatly depending on religious, philosophical, and scientific perspectives.

From a biological perspective, the fertilization of an egg by a sperm marks the beginning of the formation of a new organism. The fertilized egg, or zygote, goes through a series of cell divisions and eventually develops into an embryo. The embryo implants in the uterus, and the pregnancy begins.

From a legal perspective, the definition of when life begins can vary depending on the jurisdiction and laws. Some countries and states define the point of viability, or the point at which the fetus can potentially survive outside of the womb with medical assistance, as the beginning of life. Others use the point of conception or the point of fetal development as the beginning of life.

However, Some religious and philosophical perspectives hold that life begins at conception, while others hold that life begins at birth. Some individuals and groups believe that life begins at some point during fetal development, such as when the fetus becomes “viable” (able to potentially survive outside the womb with medical assistance) or when it reaches the point of “quickening” (when the mother can first feel fetal movements).

It’s important to note that opinions on when life begins are diverse and that different people have different views on the matter.

The Top 10 Reasons People Have Abortion Globally

1. Unplanned pregnancy: Many women seek abortions because they became pregnant unexpectedly and are not ready or able to raise a child at the time. 
2. Financial instability: Some women may not have the financial means to support a child and therefore choose to have an abortion. 
3. Relationship problems: Some women may choose to have an abortion if they are in an unstable or unhealthy relationship, or if they are single and not ready to raise a child alone. 
4. Health concerns: Some women may choose to have an abortion if they have health problems that would make pregnancy or childbirth dangerous. 
5. Career or education goals: Some women may choose to have an abortion if they are in school or just starting their careers and do not feel ready to raise a child at that time. 
6. Prior child-bearing: Some women may choose to have an abortion if they already have children and feel they cannot financially or emotionally support another. 
7. Fetal abnormalities: Some women may choose to have an abortion if they receive a diagnosis of a serious fetal abnormality. 
8. Personal beliefs and values: Some women may choose to have an abortion based on their personal beliefs and values. 
9. Fear of social stigma: Some women may choose to have an abortion because they are afraid of the social stigma that may come with being a single mother or an unwed mother. 
10. Lack of access to contraception: Some women may choose to have an abortion because they did not have access to contraception or were not able to use it effectively

Reasons People Choose Abortion	%
Financial reasons	40%
Not a good time	36%
Issues with partner	31%
Need to focus on other children	29%
Interferes with future plans	20%
Unprepared emotionally or mentally	19%
Health issue	12%
Unable to provide a “good” life	12%
Lack maturity or self-sufficiency	7%
Influence from family or friends	5%
Don’t want children	3%
Don’t want to place baby for adoption	0.7%

Preventing Abortion 

There are several strategies that can be used to prevent abortion globally: 

• Improve access to family planning and contraception: Increasing access to family planning and contraception can help reduce the number of unintended pregnancies, which can in turn reduce the number of abortions. 
• Provide comprehensive sex education: Comprehensive sex education can help young people make informed decisions about their sexual health and reduce their risk of unintended pregnancy. 
• Increase access to maternal healthcare: Improving access to maternal healthcare can help ensure that women have healthy pregnancies and are able to access safe and legal abortion services if necessary. 
• Reduce poverty and inequality: Reducing poverty and inequality can help women and families meet their basic needs and make it less likely that they will feel compelled to have an abortion. 
• Improve access to safe abortion services: Making safe abortion services more widely available can help reduce the number of women who resort to unsafe and illegal abortion methods, which can be dangerous and even fatal. 
• Address cultural and societal attitudes towards abortion: Changing societal attitudes towards abortion can help reduce the stigma and discrimination that women who have abortions often face. 
• Collaboration between different sectors: Collaboration between different sectors, such as governments, international organizations, NGOs, civil society, and the private sector, can be crucial in the development and implementation of effective policies and programs to prevent abortion. 

WHO estimates that 25% of all pregnancies worldwide end in abortion. However, the availability and legality of abortion varies greatly by country and region. In some places, abortion is highly restricted or even illegal, while in others it is widely available and legal. Additionally, the use of modern methods of abortion, such as medication abortion, is increasing globally. 

In developed countries, the abortion rate is typically lower than in developing countries. However, the abortion rate varies widely among developed countries. According to a 2020 report by the Guttmacher Institute, the abortion rate in the United States was 14.6 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age. In contrast, the abortion rate in Canada was 9.5 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age. 

In developing countries, the availability and legality of abortion varies widely. In many parts of Africa, for example, abortion is highly restricted or illegal. According to a 2019 report by the Guttmacher Institute, the abortion rate in Africa was 29 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age. However, in some parts of Latin America, where abortion is more widely available and legal, the abortion rate is lower. According to the same report, the abortion rate in Latin America was 27 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age. 

It’s important to note that these statistics are estimates and may not accurately reflect the actual number of abortions that occur globally. Some countries do not have accurate data on abortion due to legal restrictions or lack of reporting systems. Additionally, these statistics do not take into account the number of unsafe abortions that occur, which can result in serious health complications or death. 

Does Restricting Abortion Lower The Rate of Abortion? 

Each year, around seventy-three million abortions take place worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This translates to about thirty-nine abortions per one thousand women globally, a rate that has stayed roughly the same since 1990. Notably, rates have diverged between countries with fewer restrictions and those with more: Between 1990–94 and 2015–19, the average abortion rate in countries with generally legal abortion (excluding China and India) declined by 43 percent. By contrast, in countries with severe restrictions on abortion, the average abortion rate increased by around 12 percent. 

As nations around the globe have expanded the grounds on which people can access reproductive health services, the quality and safety of abortion care have improved, as has maternal survival. However, the safety of abortion procedures diverges widely between countries where abortion is generally legal and countries with high restrictions on abortion. Almost 90 percent of abortions in countries with liberal abortion laws are considered safe, compared with just 25 percent of abortions [PDF] in countries where abortion is banned. According to the WHO, approximately 5–13 percent of maternal deaths worldwide are due to complications from unsafe abortions, the vast majority of which occur in developing countries.  

Abortion Rates Have Decreased in Countries Where It Is Legal

Restricting access to abortion does not reduce the number of abortions; however, it dramatically affects whether abortions attained are safe. 

Nearly half of all abortions are unsafe, and developing countries bear the burden of 97% of these unsafe abortions. Globally, unsafe abortions account for 4.7–13.2% of all maternal deaths, disproportionately affecting people in developing regions. Moreover, each year an estimated 7 million women in developing countries are treated in hospital facilities for complications from unsafe abortion. 

What Are The Consequences of Unsafe Abortion? 

Unsafe abortion can have serious physical and emotional consequences for women. Here are a few examples: 

• Injury and infection: Unsafe abortion procedures can lead to injury to the uterus, cervix, or other organs. This can lead to infection, heavy bleeding, and other complications, such as perforation of the uterus, which can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. 
• Death: Unsafe abortion is a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 22,000 women die each year from complications of unsafe abortion. 
• Fertility complications: Unsafe abortion can lead to damage to the uterus and other reproductive organs, which can cause infertility or increase the risk of complications during future pregnancies such as ectopic pregnancies. 
• Emotional and psychological effects: The emotional and psychological effects of unsafe abortion can be severe. Women may experience feelings of guilt, shame, and trauma as a result of an unsafe abortion. 
• Legal consequences: In some countries, where abortion is illegal or restricted, women may face legal consequences for seeking unsafe abortion, including imprisonment. 
• Long-term health consequences: Unsafe abortion can also lead to chronic health conditions such as pain, infection, and infertility, which can have long-term health consequences. 

It’s important to note that unsafe abortion can have devastating consequences for women, both physically and emotionally. Access to safe and legal abortion services can help prevent these negative outcomes and save lives. 

Top 10 countries With The Strictest Abortion Laws 

The strictness of abortion laws can vary widely by country and can be influenced by a number of factors, such as cultural and religious beliefs, political climate, and access to healthcare. Here are 10 countries that are often considered to have some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the world: 

1. Malta: Abortion is completely banned in Malta. Women in Malta are denied access to abortion, even if their lives are at risk. It is the only EU member state that completely prohibits the procedure. Women face up to three years in jail if they have an abortion. 
2. Vatican City: Abortion is banned in Vatican City, which is the smallest sovereign state in the world, it is only allowed in case of necessity. 
3. El Salvador: Abortion is completely banned in El Salvador and is punishable by prison time. 
4. Chile: Abortion is only allowed in cases where the mother’s life is in danger, in cases of fetal anomalies or in cases of rape that is reported to the police. 
5. Dominican Republic: Abortion is only allowed in cases where the mother’s life is in danger. 
6. Nicaragua: Abortion is completely banned in Nicaragua and is punishable by prison time. 
7. Honduras: Abortion is only allowed in cases where the mother’s life is in danger. 
8. Suriname: Abortion is only allowed in cases where the mother’s life is in danger, or in cases of rape that is reported to the police. 
9. Haiti: Abortion is only allowed in cases where the mother’s life is in danger. 
10. Philippines: In the Philippines, abortion remains illegal under all circumstances. Women found to have aborted a pregnancy face prison terms of up to six years, and healthcare providers also face harsh punishment and criminal charges.

It’s worth noting that laws and restrictions on abortion can change over time, and this list is subject to change. Additionally, laws do not necessarily reflect the reality on the ground, as the availability and accessibility of safe abortion may vary depending on factors such as economic, cultural and social contexts.

What Are The Roles of Men In Abortion 

The role of men in abortion can vary depending on the context and the individual. Here are a few examples of how men may be involved in abortion: 

Supportive partner: A man may be a supportive partner to a woman who has decided to have an abortion. This can include helping her make the decision, accompanying her to appointments, and providing emotional support throughout the process. 

Co-decision maker: In some cases, a man may be involved in the decision-making process for an abortion. This can include discussing the options and the consequences with his partner, and providing support for her decision. 

Opposer: A man may be opposed to his partner’s decision to have an abortion. In such cases, it’s important for both partners to have open and honest communication, and for the woman to have the final say in her decision. 

Father of the fetus: A man may also be the biological father of the fetus, and may have his own thoughts and feelings about the abortion. It is important for him to be involved in the decision making process, but ultimately the decision is of the woman carrying the pregnancy. 

Advocate: Men can also be advocates for reproductive rights and access to safe and legal abortion services. This can include supporting policies and organizations that promote reproductive rights and work to reduce barriers to access to abortion services. 

It’s important to note that every individual and situation is unique, and the role of men in abortion can vary greatly. It’s important for men to respect the decision of the woman and support her in whatever decision she makes, while also taking into account their own feelings and opinions. 

The Myths and Facts About Abortion  

There are many myths and misconceptions about abortion that are not supported by scientific evidence. Here are a few examples: 

Myth: Abortion causes breast cancer.

Fact: Numerous studies have shown that there is no link between abortion and breast cancer. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that “induced abortion is not associated with an increase in breast cancer risk.” 

Myth: Abortion is dangerous for women’s mental health.

Fact: Studies have found that most women do not experience negative mental health outcomes as a result of having an abortion. The American Psychological Association (APA) states that “having a single abortion does not increase a woman’s risk for mental health problems.” 

Myth: Abortions are not safe

Fact: Abortions performed by trained professionals in safe and legal settings are generally safe. The WHO states that “complications from induced abortion are rare and can usually be treated by a trained provider.” 

Myth: Abortion is illegal in most countries.

Fact: While abortion laws vary by country, in many places it is legal and accessible with certain restrictions. According to the Guttmacher Institute, “abortion is legal in at least four-fifths of all countries, and it is generally available on broad grounds in the developed world.” 

Myth: Abortion is a simple, easy procedure.

Fact: While abortion can be safe and relatively simple when performed by a trained professional, it is still a medical procedure that carries some risks. It’s important to have access to safe and legal abortion services, and to receive counseling and support before and after the procedure. 

Myth: Only young, unmarried women have abortions.

Fact: Women of all ages, marital statuses, and socioeconomic backgrounds have abortions. According to Guttmacher Institute, the majority of women who have abortions are already mothers and low-income women are disproportionately affected by lack of access to abortion. 

Myth: If a woman has an abortion, she will never be able to have children again.

Fact: Abortion does not affect a woman’s ability to have children in the future. The majority of women who have abortions will go on to have children later in life if they choose to do so. 

Myth: Abortion is always a difficult and traumatic experience for women.

Fact: Every woman’s experience is different, and for many women, the decision to have an abortion is a relief. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), “most women who have abortions do not experience negative mental health outcomes.” 

Myth: Men have no say in a woman’s decision to have an abortion.

Fact: While the ultimate decision to have an abortion is up to the woman, partners may play a role in the decision-making process and should be involved in supporting the woman in whatever decision she makes. 

Religion and Abortion 

What roles do religion have with abortion? 

Religion can play a significant role in shaping attitudes and beliefs about abortion. Different religious traditions have different teachings and interpretations regarding the morality of abortion. 

In some religious traditions, such as Roman Catholicism and some branches of Protestantism, abortion is seen as morally wrong and is generally opposed. In these traditions, the belief is that life begins at conception and that terminating a pregnancy is equivalent to taking a human life. 

In other religious traditions, such as some branches of Buddhism and Hinduism, the belief is that the fetus is not yet a fully formed human being and that the moral status of the fetus is less than that of a fully formed human. Therefore, abortion may be seen as morally acceptable under certain circumstances. 

In still other religious traditions, such as Judaism and some branches of Protestantism, the morality of abortion is a matter of debate and different interpretations of religious teachings may lead to different conclusions about the permissibility of abortion. 

It’s worth noting that not all individuals within a certain religious tradition share the same views on abortion and it’s important to understand that religious teachings are not always clear-cut or unanimous. Some people who identify with a certain religion may have different views on abortion than what is considered the mainstream teaching. Additionally, social and political factors may also influence the way that people of different religious traditions view abortion.

In conclusion, abortion is a highly debated and controversial issue that raises important questions about women’s rights, the value of human life, and individual freedom. While opinions on abortion vary widely, it’s clear that the decision to have an abortion is a personal one that can be influenced by a variety of factors, including a person’s physical, emotional, and economic well-being. It’s important that individuals who are facing the decision of whether or not to have an abortion have access to accurate information and professional guidance, as well as support and understanding from their loved ones and communities. Ultimately, the complexity of the issue of abortion demands that we approach it with compassion, empathy, and an open mind. We should strive to create a society where every person can make the best decision for themselves and their families, while also respecting the rights and beliefs of others.

References

• https://acpeds.org/position-statements/when-human-life-begins
• https://www.brookings.edu/research/what-can-economic-research-tell-us-about-the-effect-of-abortion-access-on-womens-lives/
• https://www.cfr.org/article/abortion-law-global-comparisons
• https://www.who.int/health-topics/abortion?gclid=Cj0KCQiA_P6dBhD1ARIsAAGI7HCdifQIgqCuKzz3tqDd0moL-cWHJ2zVXYpPwHO7EilTdCk_z2wPOS8aAgcXEALw_wcB#tab=tab_1
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325582
• https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/ask-experts/what-are-the-different-types-of-abortion
• https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/sexual-and-reproductive-rights/abortion-facts/
• https://righttolife.org.uk/news/explainer-us-supreme-court-decision-to-overturn-roe-v-wade?gclid=CjwKCAiA2fmdBhBpEiwA4CcHze6zqneLZTOAH0ZWbayS_mZR_L5-vUkYZeU8qX-lUOlL4Z045GnDyhoCQAQQAvD_BwE
• https://equalrightsinstitute.com/?gclid=CjwKCAiA2fmdBhBpEiwA4CcHzT6_GuzniKC67mTfD7_RWeiyT_v8d7gKVA_uujYIY8_-6LDSYZGxZBoCFD4QAvD_BwE
• https://www.jstor.org/stable/40546102