The topic of abortion can be a little confusing to understand at times, especially considering all the heightened fears and controversy after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. We want first to clear up the misconception that women will die if they can’t access abortion.
It’s important to keep in mind that the purpose behind abortion is to purposefully choose to terminate a viable pregnancy that causes no complications to a mother’s or fetus’ health.
Pregnancy Complications
Although it is rare, there are situations when a woman may necessitate immediate, life-saving care for a life-threatening condition due to a pregnancy. Emergency medical intervention for situations like this will not be denied to the maternal patient, as stated in this recent letter from the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Abortion is a chosen procedure to terminate a pregnancy without needing a life-threatening diagnosis behind the decision. Usually, women seeking treatment for pregnancy complications want to carry to term but cannot due to health concerns.
Will a Woman With an Ectopic Pregnancy Die if She Cannot Receive an Abortion?
Unlike pregnancies terminated through an abortion, an ectopic pregnancy is non-viable and not located in the uterus. Women don’t have the option to carry an ectopic pregnancy to term since growth and development will never occur.
An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg attaches outside of the uterus. A fertilized egg attaches to the fallopian tube 90% of the time, but sometimes to the ovary, cesarean section scar, cervix, or the abdomen.
Again, ectopic pregnancy cannot live and can threaten a woman’s health. If pregnancy is located in a fallopian tube, it can cause it to burst or rupture. Getting an ultrasound is necessary to detect this complication as early as possible.
A Miscarriage
Another possible pregnancy complication is a miscarriage. Many times, what a woman thinks is her monthly cycle can actually be the pregnancy tissue leaving her body. However, there are instances when medical interventions are necessary to remove the non-viable tissue. Infection is also a serious risk of miscarriage, so it’s vital for women experiencing this to follow up with a doctor.
Confirm Your Pregnancy
An ultrasound will confirm possible pregnancy complications, including ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage. Talk to a medical professional for guidance on what to do if either of these is suspected.
Before your abortion, schedule a no-cost appointment today to determine your options. Get the clarity you need. We can help.