Reproductive Issues & Rights – Vocabulary Review

A comprehensive set of key terms from the lecture on reproductive issues, contraception, abortion, and assisted reproduction.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Cultural practice involving partial or total removal or injury of female external genitalia for non-medical reasons.

World Health Organization (WHO)

United Nations agency that directs international health within the UN system.

Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM)

Natural contraception that avoids intercourse during a woman’s fertile window based on cycle tracking.

Spermicides

Chemical agents (jellies, foams, suppositories) that destroy sperm to prevent fertilization.

Condom

Barrier device worn over the penis (or inside the vagina) that prevents pregnancy and reduces STI risk.

Prescription Contraception

Birth control methods requiring a provider’s order, e.g., pills, IUDs, patch, ring, shots, diaphragms.

Birth Control Pill

Daily oral combination or progestin-only tablet that prevents ovulation.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

Small T-shaped device placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy, often releasing hormones or copper.

Contraceptive Patch

Transdermal patch that releases estrogen and progestin for weekly birth control.

NuvaRing

Flexible vaginal ring that releases hormones for three weeks to prevent ovulation.

Depo-Provera

Intramuscular progestin injection providing three months of contraception.

Emergency Contraception (EC)

Pills or devices used after intercourse to delay ovulation or prevent implantation.

Morning-After Pill

High-dose hormonal EC taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.

Sterilization

Permanent surgical contraception, though sometimes reversible, for males or females.

Tubal Ligation

Female sterilization procedure that cuts, ties, or cauterizes the fallopian tubes.

Hysterectomy (as sterilization)

Surgical removal of the uterus, resulting in permanent infertility.

Vasectomy

Male sterilization in which the vas deferens are cut, tied, and sealed.

Abortion

Termination of pregnancy before fetal viability outside the uterus.

Viability

Stage at which a fetus can potentially survive outside the womb, usually ≥20–24 weeks.

Quickening

First maternal perception of fetal movement, around 16–18 weeks gestation.

RU-486 (Mifepristone)

Drug that blocks progesterone, used with misoprostol for medical abortion up to 63 days LMP.

Misoprostol

Prostaglandin that induces uterine contractions and cervical dilation in medical abortion.

Methotrexate

Antimetabolite occasionally combined with misoprostol for early medical abortion.

Menstrual Extraction

Early suction procedure (<7 weeks LMP) removing uterine contents via a small tube.

Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)

Second-trimester abortion involving cervical dilation, suction, and surgical removal of fetal tissue.

Saline Induction Abortion

Older second-trimester method using intra-amniotic saline to induce labor; rarely used today.

Anti-Abortion Terrorism

Violent acts such as arson, bombings, or shootings aimed at abortion providers or clinics.

Global Gag Rule

U.S. policy denying federal funds to foreign NGOs that perform or counsel on abortion services.

Assisted Reproduction

Medical techniques (AI, IVF, surrogacy) used to achieve pregnancy outside natural intercourse.

Artificial Insemination (AI)

Placement of semen into a woman’s reproductive tract by medical means rather than intercourse.

AIH – Artificial Insemination by Husband

AI using sperm from the woman’s spouse or male partner.

AID – Artificial Insemination by Donor

AI using sperm from a non-partner donor.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Fertilization of an egg in a laboratory dish followed by embryo transfer to the uterus.

Surrogacy

Arrangement in which a woman carries a pregnancy for intended parent(s).

Gestational Surrogate

Woman who carries an embryo not genetically related to her (both gametes from intended parents/donors).

Conscience Clause

Legal provision allowing health professionals to refuse participation in procedures (e.g., abortion) on moral grounds.

Hyde Amendment

U.S. law restricting federal Medicaid funds for abortion except in rape, incest, or life-endangerment cases.

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (2010)

U.S. health-care reform that limits federal subsidies for insurance plans covering elective abortions.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Supreme Court decision establishing a woman’s constitutional right to abortion during the first trimester.

Cryopreservation

Freezing of sperm, eggs, or embryos for future reproductive use.

Informed Consent

Process ensuring patients understand and voluntarily agree to medical procedures, risks, and alternatives.