Abortion among young women and subsequent life outcomes
This article will discuss the nature of the association between abortion and mental health problems. Studies arguing about both sides of the debate as to whether abortion per se is…
Why do women present late for induced abortion?
This article summarises the findings of studies relating to why women present for abortion at gestations of more than 12 weeks. Its primary focus is on British experience, but relevant…
Unsafe abortion – the current global scenario
Unsafe abortion is prevalent in many developing countries, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and South and Southeast Asia, where abortion laws are more restrictive, the unmet need for contraception…
Why do women experience untimed pregnancies? A review of contraceptive failure rates
Contraceptive failure contributes to a substantial proportion of unintended pregnancy, particularly in the developed world. A number of socio-demographic factors seem to impact on the risk of a woman experiencing…
Global perspective of legal abortion – Trends analysis and accessibility
Abstract There are significant variations in the legalisation, restrictions and legal abortion rates worldwide. This undoubtedly influences the provision and accessibility to abortion services. Although there have been changes to…
Historical perspective on induced abortion through the ages and its links with maternal mortality
Abortion is mentioned in ancient medical texts but the effectiveness of the methods described is doubtful. Attitudes varied from apparent disapproval by Hippocrates to open approval in Ancient Rome. In…
Abortion and human rights
Abortion has been a reality in women’s lives since the beginning of recorded history, typically with a high risk of fatal consequences, until the last century when evolutions in the…
Obstetric performance following an induced abortion
Abortion has been legalised in most of the Western world for the past four decades. In areas where abortion practices are legal and easy to access, the risk of short-term…
Induced abortion and psychological sequelae
The decision to seek an abortion is never easy. Women have different reasons for choosing an abortion and their social, economic and religious background may influence how they cope. Furthermore,…
Foetal pain?
The majority of commentary on foetal pain has looked at the maturation of neural pathways to decide a lower age limit for foetal pain. This approach is sensible because there…
