| Abortion |
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These articles outline some of the key issues concerning abortion.
What is abortion?Abortion is the removal of a developing fetus, either spontaneously by natural means, as in miscarriage, or by artificial means as in an induced surgical (a surgical procedure is performed to remove the fetus from the womb) or chemical abortion (a medication is taken to cause the body to expel the fetus). Most people refer to a natural spontaneous abortion as a miscarriage, and an induced abortion as an abortion. Most abortions are performed several weeks after a woman realizes she is pregnant, between 7 and 10 weeks, when the fetus already has arms and legs that are forming, a heart that is beating, brain waves that are measurable, and a face that is forming. It may be performed in the first trimester by surgical procedures known as dilation and curettage or suction aspiration, or by ingestion of the medications RU 486 or methotrexate. In the second and third trimester the surgical procedures are dilation and evacuation, hysterotomy (similar to a C-section), and instillation of chemicals (saline, urea, prostaglandins) into the amniotic sac to kill the fetus and induce labor. Why do women have abortions?The majority of abortions are done for social reasons, such as the mother is not ready to have a baby or the father wants the woman to have an abortion. Only 7% of abortions cite a medical reason or case of rape or incest as the reason. How prevalent is abortion?Many people believe that abortions occur rarely, and only as a last resort. This is not true. Every year, about 2% of women aged 15-44 have an abortion; 47% of these women have had at least one abortion previously. In 2005 there were 1.21 million abortions in the United States. This number is down slightly from 1.31 million abortions in 2000, but the number has remained relatively steady at approximately one million or more abortions yearly since 1973. Of all pregnancies, 22% end in abortion (Guttmacher Institute, 2009). What is Partial Birth Abortion?Partial birth abortion is an abortion typically performed in the fifth or sixth month of pregnancy in which the abortionist pulls the baby out of the birth canal feet first, leaving the head inside the womb because it is too large to pass through the birth canal. A sharp surgical instrument is inserted into the base of the skull through which a tube is passed to literally suck out the brain, so that the skull collapses and the head can pass through the birth canal. According to the National Coalition of Abortion Providers, 3000-5000 partial birth abortions occurred annually, mostly on healthy mothers and babies. The practice was banned in 2003 through hard fought legislation that was first introduced in 1995. This was the first restriction on any method of abortion since abortion became a national right in 1973 through a Supreme Court decision known as Roe vs. Wade. The ban excludes cases where partial birth abortion might be necessary to save the mother’s life. Late term abortions by other means are not included in the ban. Are there complications to abortion?Abortion is a direct assault on a woman’s reproductive system, which is geared toward safeguarding the developing embryo and fetus. Physical complications include bleeding, infection, sterility, and even death. Psychological complications include depression, substance abuse, failed relationships, and an identified syndrome known as post abortion syndrome (PAS) similar to post traumatic stress disorder. What does the Catholic Church teach about abortion?The Church teaches that “Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person—among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life. “ The Lord told the prophet Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you. “ The Church has called abortion a moral evil since the first century. It is looked on as a grave offense causing irreparable harm to the innocent who is put to death, the parents, and the whole of society. The embryo must be treated from conception as a person, and must be defended, cared for, and healed as far as possible, like any human being. (Catechism of the Church, 2nd edition) What can be done?Respecting life can often seem counter-cultural. Unfortunately the media and popular culture place value on personal freedom of choice and pleasure rather than responsibility and respect for human life. However, there are ways that each one of us can help make an impact on this problem.
Where can I learn more?Students Turning Around a Nation of Death (STAND) United States Catholic conference of Bishops The Second Look Project, fetal development National Right to Life (information and legislative action center) |