Abortion

Question 1

Firstly what law covers abortion?

Answer 1

The Abortion Act 1967

As amended by the human fertilization & embryology act 1990

Question 2

Who is permitted to carry out terminations under the abortion act 1967?

Answer 2

A registered medical practitioner in NHS or private institutions

Question 3

What reasons are there for performing a termination?

Answer 3

A) Continuing risks woman’s life greater than terminating
B) Necessary to prevent grave permanent injury to woman’s physical/mental health
C) <24wks & termination would be less risky than continuing to woman’s mental/physical health
D) As C but to any existing children of the woman
E) Serious risk of physical/mental handicap of child
F) To save woman’s life

Question 4

What is the difference between fostering & adoption?

Answer 4

Adoption is a legal contract in which the woman has no say over the child’s upbringing and no right to contact it again

Fostering is not a contract and leaves room for the mother to take over raising of the child later

Question 5

So adoption can be carried out >24 wks if there is serious risk to the mother or risk of handicap to the child. How is a termination >24 wks different?

Answer 5

At this point it is a more specialised procedure requiring Fetacide as well as termination so must be carried out in a NHS hospital

Question 6

Some pro-life factions consider emergency contraception to be a form of abortion. What are the types available?

Answer 6

Copper IUD
Levonelle pill
EllaOne pill

Question 7

When can each form of emergency contraception be used?

Answer 7

Copper IUD - up to 120 hrs
Levonelle - Up to 72 hours
EllaOne - Up to 120 hours

Question 8

Which form is most effective as emergency contraception?

Answer 8

Copper IUD

Also it can be left in as ongoing contraception

Question 9

How does each form of emergency contraception work?

Answer 9

Copper IUD - Prevents implantation & Fertilization

Levonelle - Levonorgestrel (a progestogen) prevents ovulation

EllaOne - Ulipristal Acetate prevents ovulation by messing with normal action of progesterone

Question 10

What recommendation does the GMC make to doctors who are conscientious objectors to abortion?

Answer 10

1) You must explain your position to the patient
2) You must tell them of their right to see another doctor and provide them with the information to do so
3) If they cannot arrange another doctor you must do so for them
4) You must not imply any disapproval of the patient’s lifestyle, choices or beliefs