AN OVERVIEW ON ABORTION

Soumya R. V.*, Aleena Francis, Limi Joseph Gomez, Arathi S. Nair, Bushra Abdul Rahim, Prasobh G. R., I. John Wesley

ABSTRACT

Abortion is the expulsion or extraction of an embryo or foetus from its mother when it is not capable of independent survival. An abortion that occurs spontaneously is called miscarriage. When deliberate steps are taken to end a pregnancy, it is called an induced miscarriage. Modern methods use medications or surgery for abortions. The drug mifepristone in combination with prostaglandin is safe and effective as surgery during the first and second trimester of pregnancy. The most common surgical technique involves dilating the cervix and using a suction device. When performed legally and safely, induced abortions do not increase the risk of long term mental, physical problems. In contrast unsafe abortions (those performed by unskilled individuals, with hazardous equipments or in unsanitary facilities) may increase the risk.

Keywords: Abortion, Miscarriage, Induced abortion, Mifepristone, Surgical methods.