TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY

Question 1

What are the current laws surrounding termination of pregnancy based on?

Answer 1

The Abortion Act of 1967 which was amended in 1990.

Question 2

What was the 1990 amendment to the 1967 Abortion Act?

Answer 2

Upper limit of gestation were reduced from 28 weeks to 24 weeks

Question 3

What is the most common circumstance for which termination of pregnancy is performed?

Answer 3

Clause C - Continuing the pregnancy involves greater risk to the woman’s physical or mental health than termination

Question 4

How many practitioners must agree on termination of pregnancy?

Answer 4

2

Question 5

What are the methods of pregnancy termination used before 12 weeks gestation?

Answer 5

Less than 9 weeks: Mifepristone (anti-progesterone) followed by prostaglandins 48 hours later to stimulate contractions

Up to 12 weeks: Surgical dilation and suction of uterine contents (vacuum aspiration)

Question 6

What are the methods of pregnancy termination used after 12 weeks gestation?

Answer 6

Dilatation and evacuation - uterine contents must be crushed prior to curettage.

NB it is essential to ascertain mother’s blood group prior to procedure for anti-D administration

Question 7

What are the complications of pregnancy termination?

Answer 7

Infection

Trauma - perforation

Haemorrhage - often result of incomplete evacuation

Retained products - having to redo procedure

Regret