By: Christine G. Dela Cruz
By: Christine G. Dela Cruz
By: Christine G. Dela Cruz
N
By: Christine G. dela Cruz
Definition:
Abortion is the expulsion of a living fetus
from the mothers womb before it is
viable.
Dr. Andre E. Hellegers
- Defined abortion as termination of
pregnancy spontaneously or by induction
prior to viability. Thereafter, termination of
pregnancy is called delivery.
Reasons:
Economic Cost
Family Planning
Health
Rape incest
Age
Societys moralism
Historical Background:
In ancient Greece, Plato and Aristotle
recommended abortion in order to avoid
excess population in the small Greek city
states.
Philippines:
Article II, Section 12 of the 1986 Philippine
Constitution
- The state recognizes the sanctity of life
and shall protect and strengthen the
family as a basic autonomous social
institution. It shall equally protect the life
of the mother and the life of the unborn
Surgery
Abortion surgeries are uncommon in the
Philippines due to the public's view of
morality. However, many hospitals and
medical centers can perform post-abortion
care for mothers with very few
complications.
Modern Medicine
Abortion drugs such as Misoprostol
(Cytotec), Methotrexate, Mifeprex (or
RU486) and Mifepristone are also used as
an alternative to folk medicine. This is
because many women believe that other
drugs are unsafe to ingest. However, since
these pills are only available under
prescription, it is illegal for pharmacists to
distribute the drug without the permission
of the mother's physician. This method is
usually used by women whose lives are
endangered by pregnancy.
3 General viewpoints of
Abortion:
1. The conservative
2. The liberal
3. The moderate or intermediate
Methods of Abortion:
Plants and plant
preparations,e.g.,Makabuhay, Essencia
maravilosa.
- Many of these plants probably do induce
contractions of smooth muscles, such as
those in the uterus. Sometimes, people
think the plants work because their
menstruation returns. In reality, the
menstruation was probably only delayed.
Physical methods.
- Massage and abdominal pressure are
applied by the hilot, or sometimes by the
pregnant woman herself. This is a terrible
painful method and is dangerous,
especially in more advance pregnancies.
The physical pressure is used to induce
uterine contractions but these may not be
enough to expel the fetus.
Insertion of catheters (sonda).
-Women have been known to insert
hangers, brooms, walis tingting. These
often lead to infections.
Drugs.
- There are many western drugs that
people use to attempt to induce an
abortion. These include medicines such as
quinine, an anti-malarial;
methylergometrin, a uterine stimulant and
methotrexate, an anti-cancer drug. With
some of these drugs, an abortion is
actually a side effect. In other cases, the
western medicine used may even have the
opposite effect on a pregnancy.
Salt Poisoning.
- Is used after 16 weeks of pregnancy,
when enough fluid has accumulated in the
amniotic fluid sac surrounding the baby. A
needle is inserted through the mothers
abdomen and 50-250 ml of amniotic fluid
is withdrawn and replaced with a solution
of concentrated salt. The chemical solution
also causes painful burning and
deterioration of the babys skin. The baby
breathes in, swallowing the salt, and is
poisoned. Usually, after about an hour, the
child dies. The mother goes into labor
about 33 to 35 hours after and delivers a
Hysterotomy.
- Similar to the Caesarean Section, this is
used if chemical methods such as salt
poisoning or prostaglandins fail . Incisions
are made in the abdomen and uterus.
The baby, placenta, and amniotic sac are
removed. Babies are sometimes born alive
during this procedure, raising questions as
to how and when these infants are killed
and by whom.
Types of Abortion:
Natural Abortion/Spontaneous or
Accidental Abortion.
- Also known as miscarriage (nakunan).
- The expulsion of the fetus through natural or
accidental causes.
Therapeutic Abortion
- Deliberately induced expulsion of a living fetus
in order to save the mother from the danger of
death brought on by pregnancy.
Indirect Abortion
- The removal of the fetus occurs as a secondary
effect of a legitimate or licit action, which is direct
and primary object of the intention.
Effects of Abortion:
Physical Effects
-
Habitual miscarriages
- Fever
Ectopic pregnancies
- Cold sweat
Menstrual disturbances
- intense pain
Stillbirths
- Loss of other organs
Bleeding
- Insomnia
Shock
- Loss of appetite
Coma
- Weight loss
perforated uterus
- Frigidity
Psychological Effects
- Guilt
- Helplessness
- Suicidal tendencies
- Loss of interest in sex
- Loss of sense of fulfillment
- Inability to forgive
oneself
- Mourning
- Nightmares and
- Loss of confidence
frustrations
- Lower self-esteem
- thwarted maternal
instinct
- Hostility
- intense interest in
- Self- destructive behavior
babies
- Anger
- Rage
-THE END-