Abortion is not a method of contraception – it does not prevent pregnancy. It is a means of ending, or terminating, a pregnancy, and is also called a termination. Most abortions are done before the twelfth week of pregnancy. The woman is given an anaesthetic and when she is asleep, the cervical opening is widened enough to allow for insertion of a small suction tube. The contents of the uterus are then gently sucked out through the tube. Abortions may be done up to the twenty-eighth week of pregnancy, but somewhat different procedures are required.
A properly performed abortion is very safe, with few physical side effects. Although some women do experience pain and bleeding during the first two weeks after an abortion, these side effects are usually not severe. Occasionally, they will be severe, will last for more than two weeks or will be accompanied by a fever or rash, in which case the woman should see her doctor, as this may be a sign of infection or some other problem. Some women feel sad after an abortion, even if they are relieved not to be pregnant anymore. They may benefit from counselling, but serious depression requiring a doctor’s care is rare.
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