Psychology of Human Sexuality - Abortion

These flashcards cover key concepts and facts regarding abortion, its methods, legal context, psychological outcomes, and demographic considerations based on the notes provided.

What is the definition of abortion?

Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy before the fetus can survive outside the uterus.

What are the methods of abortion?

Methods include medication abortion (using pills like mifepristone and misoprostol) and surgical/procedural abortion (such as uterine aspiration/D&C and D&E).

What is medication abortion?

Medication abortion uses a combination of pills, typically mifepristone and misoprostol, to terminate a pregnancy. It accounts for the majority of abortions in the U.S.

What is mifepristone?

Mifepristone is a medication used in combination with misoprostol for medication abortion. It works by blocking progesterone, which is essential for pregnancy.

What is misoprostol?

Misoprostol is a medication used in combination with mifepristone for medication abortion, or sometimes alone. It causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.

What is surgical abortion?

Surgical (or procedural) abortion involves a medical procedure to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. Methods include uterine aspiration (also known as D&C) and Dilation & Evacuation (D&E).

What is Dilation & Curettage (D&C)?

Dilation & Curettage (D&C) is a type of surgical abortion, often referred to as uterine aspiration, that involves dilating the cervix and using suction or a sharp instrument (curette) to empty the uterus.

What is the difference between induced abortion and spontaneous abortion?

Induced abortion is a medical procedure to terminate a pregnancy, whereas spontaneous abortion refers to miscarriage.

How safe is induced abortion when performed by trained clinicians?

Induced abortion is a common and medically safe procedure with rare serious complications when using evidence-based methods.

What is the risk of maternal death compared to legal induced abortion?

The risk of maternal death from childbirth is about 14 times higher than the risk from legal induced abortion.

What are the primary medication regimens for abortion?

Mifepristone followed by misoprostol, or misoprostol-only.

What is the effectiveness of mifepristone followed by misoprostol?

It has high effectiveness and very low rates of serious complications in early pregnancy.

What is the Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) method used for?

D&E is commonly used for procedural abortions at about 14–16 weeks gestation and involves cervical preparation and evacuation.

What are gestational limits in the context of abortion?

Gestational limits refer to legal restrictions on abortion based on the stage of pregnancy (e.g., specific week limits post-fertilization or last menstrual period).

What landmark case recognized federal constitutional protection for abortion?

Roe v. Wade (1973) recognized federal constitutional protection for abortion pre-viability.

What is the 'undue burden' standard established by Planned Parenthood v. Casey?

The 'undue burden' standard allows states to limit abortion access pre-viability as long as the law does not pose a substantial obstacle to a woman's right.

What did the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling establish?

The Supreme Court upheld the Mississippi law banning most abortions after 15 weeks and concluded that the Constitution does not protect the right to an abortion.

What are TRAP laws?

TRAP laws (Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers) impose requirements beyond what is necessary for safety and often reduce the number of clinics.

What psychological outcomes did the Turnaway Study find after abortion?

Receiving an abortion did not increase the risk of depression, anxiety, PTSD, or suicidal ideation compared to population norms.

What effect does abortion stigma have on care-seeking?

Abortion stigma can delay care-seeking, reduce social support, and exacerbate mental health stress, particularly in highly politicized or criminalized communities.

What are some observed outcomes for individuals who are denied an abortion?

Research indicates that being denied an abortion is associated with worse mental health outcomes and economic hardship compared to those who receive an abortion.

What does the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act in Nebraska entail?

It is a total ban on abortion at 20 weeks post-fertilization.

What demographic factors influence who obtains abortions?

People of all backgrounds obtain abortions, with most being in their 20s and already parenting at least one child, but lower-income and racially diverse groups face greater barriers.