Abortion Flashcards
1
Q
Medical Abortion procedure
A
- Mifepristone p.o.
- 24-48 hours later Misoprostol vaginal/sublingual/buccal
- Misoprostol can be repeated every 3 hours
2
Q
Medical abortion at home benefits
A
- More privacy
- Partner/friend involvement
- Own comforts
- Better pain management e.g. bath
3
Q
Medical abortion at home risks
A
- Heavy bleeding
- Incomplete procedure
- GI upset common
4
Q
Surgical Abortion options
A
- Manual vacuum aspiration (LA)
- Suction abortion (STOP)
- Dilatation and evacuation: higher gestations
5
Q
Surgical Abortion benefits
A
- Less risk of retained tissue
- Short post-op bleeding
- Fit uterine contraception
- LA: shorter recovery
- GA: pain free
6
Q
Surgical Abortion risks
A
- Uterine perforation
- Cervical damage
- Anaesthesia risks (GA)
- Pain but over less time (LA)
7
Q
> 20 weeks
A
Nowhere in Scotland offers late abortion
8
Q
Consequences of uncertainty of decision
A
- Depression
- Guilt
Ensure support network (family, friends, formal counselling)
9
Q
Decision-making
A
- GMC: respect patient choice
- Final decision is woman’s
- Change mind right up until abortion
- Abortion in all religions
- Safer than childbirth
- Does not cause infertility
- Do not have to tell GP
10
Q
Abortion legislation
- Scotland, England, Wales
A
UK 1967 Abortion Act
11
Q
5 clauses
A
a) Risk to life
b) Grave permanent injury
c) <24 weeks and risk of injury to pregnant women (teenage)
d) ^ but to existing children
e) Abnormality risk of child if born
12
Q
Northern Ireland
A
- No clauses, woman’s choice
- 2019: abortion was decriminalised up to 28 weeks
13
Q
Conscientious Objection
A
- Staff do not have to participate in abortive act
- Obligation to ensure access to care
- Cannot refuse to treat acute medical care related to abortive treatment
14
Q
Ethical arguments for (pro-choice)
A
- Women right to autonomy/self-determination
15
Q
Ethical arguments against (pro-life)
A
- Woman’s right vs feotus’ right
- Physiologically damaging
- Religious grounds
