MTLAWS L14 (ABORTION)

Abortion

Termination of a pregnancy by removing or expelling the fetus or embryo, resulting in or causing its death. It can be spontaneous (miscarriage) or induced.

Therapeutic Abortion

Induced to preserve the health of the gravida.

Elective Abortion

Induced for reasons other than health.

Spontaneous Abortion

Commonly termed as a miscarriage

What are the main ethical considerations in abortion?

Whether abortion is moral or not, legal access, and the health risks versus rights of the gravida.

TYPES OF ABORTION

THERAPEUTIC, ELECTIVE & SPONTAENEOUS ABORTION

What are global statistics on abortion

• 42 million abortions occur annually:

  • 22 million are safe.

  • 20 million are unsafe.

• Unsafe abortions result in 70,000 deaths and 5 million disabilities annually

What is the status of abortion in the Philippines?

It is criminalized without exceptions, influenced by the Catholic Church, and penalized under the Revised Penal Code.

What sparked debates about legalizing abortion in the Philippines?

Proposals during President Estrada’s term to legalize abortion for special cases met with opposition from the Catholic Bishops' Conference and pro-life groups.

What methods have been used historically to induce abortion?

• Herbal remedies,

• physical trauma,

• sharpened tools,

• modern medications/surgical methods.

What are the emotional and psychological risks of abortion?

• Depression,

• anxiety,

• post-traumatic stress disorder,

• substance abuse,

• relationship problems, and

• suicidal tendencies.

What are the two primary abortion methods?

Medication Abortion (Pills) n Surgical Procedures

Medication Abortion (Pills)

Mifepristone and Misoprostol are used.

Surgical Procedures

Includes suction aspiration, D&C, and D&E methods.

What are the key legal provisions regarding abortion in the Philippines?

Articles 256, 257, and 258 of the Revised Penal Code penalize abortion with imprisonment for women and those assisting in the procedure.

What does the Abortion Act of 1967 entail?

It permits abortion in England, Scotland, and Wales under conditions like protecting the mother’s life or health, or if the fetus has severe disabilities.

How do abortion laws vary worldwide?

• 61 countries allow abortion without restriction.

• 26 countries completely ban abortion.

• The rest allow abortion with restrictions, e.g., to save the mother’s life.

1st Trimester

Suction D&C (dilation and curettage) is common.

2nd Trimester

D&E (dilation and evacuation) is performed using suction and clamps.

How does the Catholic Church influence abortion policies in the Philippines?

It strongly opposes abortion, impacting legal and cultural perspectives, and advocates for alternative family planning methods.

What are the drugs commonly used for medication abortion?

Mifepristone (RU-486) n Misoprostol

What are the consequences of unsafe abortions?

• Maternal mortality: 70,000 deaths annually.

• Disabilities: 5 million annually.

• Complications like sepsis, hemorrhage, and trauma to reproductive organs.

Vacuum aspiration

A method performed up to 16 weeks into pregnancy where a tube is inserted through the cervix, and suction is applied to remove fetal tissue.

What conditions does the Abortion Act of 1967 allow for abortion?

• To protect the mother's life or physical/mental health.

• To prevent risk to the health of existing children.

• If there is a significant risk of fetal disability.

Prenatal Test

Can detect significant physical or mental disabilities early, allowing parents to decide on abortion to prevent suffering or maternal health risks.

post-abortion stress syndrome

A psychological response characterized by depression, guilt, anxiety, flashbacks, and suicidal tendencies, often linked to unresolved feelings about the abortion.

Laminaria

A type of sterilized seaweed that absorbs water over 8 to 12 hours and swells to several times its original diameter

Sopher Clamp

A clamp made of stainless and is about 13 inches long.

Curette

a spoon-shaped instrument used to scrape the uterine linig to remove ang remaining tissue.

Cervix

act as a gate that stays close for the duration of the pregnancy protecting the baby until it is ready for birth.