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Abortion
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Physical Complications
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Physical complications include bleeding, abdominal pains, hemorrhage, and even death.
These complications could arise from "retained product of conception, laceration of the cervix, perforation of the uterus,
and infection" (Ferris et al, 1996, p.8). 
Moreover, induced abortion " increased the risk for a subsequent preterm delivery"( Thorp, Hartmann, & Shadigian 2003, p. 67). The risks for complications "were greatest among women whose pregnancies were terminated after 12 weeks' gestation. The risk of complications at 13 to 16 weeks gestation was almost twice that at 9-12 weeks' and almost three times that at 17-20 weeks" (Ferris et al, 1996, p.10). There is a common result in these studies that women's health is greatly affected.
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 Phychological ComplicationsAside from the physical complications, psychological problems in women who had abortion were also well documented. Abortion is found " to contribute to self-destructive behaviors such as the abuse of tobacco, alcohol and non medicinal drugs" ( Byfield, 2003, p. 84).  There is also high incidence of reported guilty feelings, depression and suicide. Adler (1975) states that negative post-abortion emotional responses include the socially based emotions of guilt and shame (as cited in Russo & Dabul, 1997, p.29).
Thorp et al, (2003) also found the association between induced abortion and either suicide or suicide attempt. Researchers also found out that "a remarkable suicide rate among women who abort their children, six times higher than women who give birth and three times higher than the general population". ( Byfield, 2003, p. 84). |
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Byfield, J.(2003). Let's Do Research, MP says. Citizen'c Center Report, 30(1)p.81. Ferris, L.E., McMain-Klein, M., Colodny, N., Lamont, J. ( 1996). Factors associated with immediate abortion complications. Canadian Medical Association Journal 154 (11). Russo, N.F., & Dabul, A. (1997). The Relationship of Abortion to Well-Being: Do Race and Religion Make a Difference? Professional PsychologyResearch and Practice 28 (1) 23-3. Sule-Odu, A.O., Olantunji, A.O., & Akindele, R.A. (2002). Complicated induced abortion in Sugamo, Nigeria. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 22 (1). 58-61. Thorp, J. M., Hartmann, K. E., & Shadigian, E. (2003). Long-Term Physical and Psychological Health Consequences of Induced Abortion: Review of Evidence. Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey, 58 (1);67-79. |
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by Allen Delatorre student nurse cliparts by Happy Greeting |