Abortion, as understood within the field of gynecology, is a medical procedure that terminates a pregnancy. This procedure can be crucial for a variety of reasons, ranging from personal choice to medical necessity. As gynecologists, we approach abortion with a deep understanding of its medical, psychological, and ethical dimensions, ensuring that each patient receives compassionate and informed care.
Elective Abortion: This occurs when the decision to terminate a pregnancy is made for non-medical reasons. Patients may choose elective abortion due to various factors such as personal circumstances, economic considerations, or readiness to parent. It's essential that the decision is well-informed and supported by comprehensive counseling.
Therapeutic Abortion: This type of abortion is performed when the health of the mother or fetus is at risk. Therapeutic abortions may be indicated in cases of severe fetal anomalies, conditions that could lead to significant maternal health risks, or when continuing the pregnancy poses a threat to the mother’s physical or mental well-being.
Medication Abortion (Medical Abortion): This involves taking medications to induce a miscarriage. It is typically used up to 10 weeks into the pregnancy. The process generally includes two medications: mifepristone, which blocks the hormone progesterone necessary for pregnancy continuation, and misoprostol, which causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue.