Abortion
Abortion is when the pregnancy ends, preventing the birth of a child. Occasionally it is called termination of pregnancy.
Who can legally approach abortion?
(a)Survivors of sexual assault or rape
(b) Minors
(c) Marital status (widowhood and divorce)
(d) Women with physical disabilities
(e) Mentally unstable women
(f) Foetal malformation
Abortion treatment
Abortion can be undertaken in two methods;
- Medically launched abortion- abortion pill
Two prescriptions, usually 24 to 48 hours asunder, to render an abortion.
- Surgical abortion- is usually carried on by a well-practiced physician in the hospital.
Self-care after abortion
After an abortion, you likely need to make things comfortable for a few days. You might experience some despair and vaginal bleeding for two weeks.
Abortion is a secure approach. Abortions are securest and occur with minor pain and bleeding when taken out as early as possible.
Most women may not undergo any complications.
On some occasions, small risk prevails,
- infection in the womb (uterus)
- some pregnancies may remain in the womb
- Vaginal discharge
- injury to the womb or entrance of the womb (cervix)
Abortion law in India
Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, allows legal abortions only considering specific conditions. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, an abortion in India comes under legal action if it gets terminated in 20 weeks (approximately five months). It should be under a doctor’s consent and carried out by a medical professional in a government-admitted medical institution.
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022