Chapter 7 – Contraception and Abortion: Key Vocabulary

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, methods, mechanisms, and landmark legal cases related to contraception and abortion from Chapter 7.

Birth control

The practice of managing fertility and preventing unwanted pregnancies.

Fertility

The biological ability to reproduce.

Conception

Fusion of an ovum and sperm resulting in a fertilized egg (zygote).

Contraception

Any method, device, or substance used to prevent conception.

Contraceptive

An agent or method that can prevent conception.

Modern contraceptive methods

Include sterilization, IUDs, implants, injectables, pills, patches, rings, and barrier methods.

Behavioral contraceptive methods

Rely on knowledge of reproductive physiology (e.g., periodic abstinence, withdrawal) to avoid pregnancy.

Sterilization

Permanent surgical alteration of reproductive organs to prevent pregnancy.

Vasectomy

Male sterilization procedure that severs the vasa deferentia; ~0.15 % failure rate.

Tubal ligation

Female sterilization by cutting, removing, or blocking the fallopian tubes; ~0.5 % failure rate.

Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)

Highly effective methods that last years, such as IUDs and implants.

Intrauterine device (IUD)

Small device placed in the uterus to prevent fertilization; types include copper and hormonal.

Copper T-380A (ParaGard)

Copper IUD effective up to 12 years; produces spermicidal reaction in uterus.

Hormonal IUD

Releases low-dose progestin, thickening cervical mucus and inhibiting fertilization; lasts 3–7 years.

Contraceptive implant (Nexplanon)

Progestin-only rod placed under upper-arm skin; inhibits ovulation for up to 3 years.

Oral contraceptives (combined pill)

Daily pill with estrogen + progestin that prevents ovulation; ~0.3 % perfect-use failure.

Progestin-only pill (minipill)

Daily pill with progestin only; thickens cervical mucus and may suppress ovulation.

Contraceptive skin patch

Weekly transdermal patch releasing estrogen and progestin; changed for 3 weeks, 1 week off.

Vaginal contraceptive ring

Flexible ring (NuvaRing/Annovera) left in vagina 3 weeks, releases estrogen & progestin.

Injectable contraceptive (Depo-Provera)

Progestin shot every 12 weeks that suppresses ovulation.

Male condom

External latex or polyurethane sheath that blocks semen and reduces STI risk.

Female condom

Internal pouch with two rings inserted into vagina or anus for barrier protection.

Diaphragm

Silicone dome used with spermicide to cover the cervix; must stay in 6 h after sex.

Cervical cap

Small cup fitting snugly over cervix, holding spermicide; can stay up to 48 h.

Contraceptive sponge

Spermicidal polyurethane device placed over cervix, effective up to 24 h.

Vaginal spermicides

Foams, gels, or jellies inserted ≤60 min before intercourse to kill sperm.

Abstinence

Intentional avoidance of sexual intercourse; guarantees pregnancy prevention.

Withdrawal (coitus interruptus)

Penis removed before ejaculation; ~22 % typical-use failure.

Fertility awareness–based methods

Calendar, temperature, mucus or symptothermal tracking to avoid fertile days.

Lactational amenorrhea method

Reliance on exclusive breastfeeding postpartum to suppress ovulation temporarily.

Emergency contraception (EC)

Pills or IUDs used within 5 days after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.

Spontaneous abortion (miscarriage)

Pregnancy that ends naturally without intervention.

Induced abortion

Intentional termination of a pregnancy.

Medical abortion

Use of mifepristone followed by misoprostol to end pregnancy ≤10 weeks.

Aspiration (suction) abortion

First-trimester surgical procedure (D&C) using suction to empty uterus.

Dilation and evacuation (D&E)

Common second-trimester surgical abortion combining suction and instruments.

Induction abortion

Second-trimester method that uses medications to induce labor and expel fetus.

Postabortion care

Medical follow-up to monitor recovery and address physical or emotional needs.

Unintended pregnancy

Pregnancy that is mistimed or unwanted at conception.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion nationwide using a trimester framework.

Hyde Amendment (1976)

Federal law banning Medicaid funds for abortion except for incest, rape, or life endangerment.

Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992)

Upheld abortion right before viability but allowed state regulations that avoid ‘undue burden.’

Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022)

Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, returning abortion regulation to states.

Barrier methods

Contraceptives that physically block sperm from reaching the egg (e.g., condoms, diaphragm).

Hormonal methods

Contraceptives that use synthetic hormones to inhibit ovulation or alter cervical mucus.

Copper IUD mechanism

Releases copper ions creating a spermicidal uterine environment, preventing fertilization.

Progestin effects in contraception

Inhibits ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, and thins endometrial lining.

Failure rate (contraception)

Percentage of users who experience unintended pregnancy within the first year of use.

Pregnancy morbidity and mortality

Health complications or death associated with pregnancy and childbirth.

STI risk

Likelihood of contracting sexually transmitted infections; reduced by barrier methods.

Gender equality benefits of contraception

Supports women’s education, workforce participation, and economic self-sufficiency.