It is a procedure known by many names: abortion, termination of pregnancy, induced abortion, or artificial termination of pregnancy. In essence, it refers to the process of removing one or more embryos and the placenta from the uterus during the early weeks of pregnancy..
An abortion may be performed for various reasons: either because the pregnant woman has a medical condition that makes the pregnancy life-threatening (therapeutic abortion), because the fetus has a severe medical condition, or because the woman chooses to end the pregnancy for personal reasons.
What is an abortion?
The term abortion refers to the process of terminating a pregnancy. Abortion is one of the safest medical procedures and does not affect a woman’s ability to conceive in the future. It must, of course, be performed by a specialized obstetrician–gynecologist, with the participation of an anesthesiologist, and with the necessary care provided in an organized medical facility.
Various methods can lead to this outcome. The doctor will guide each woman according to her individual case. Abortion is classified into medical abortion, which is carried out through specific medications, and surgical abortion.
Until when can I have an abortion?
Many women worry about the time frame they have to decide whether to undergo an abortion. Also, many wonder what the law says about abortion in Greece. Generally, abortion is performed early in the pregnancy, i.e., within the first 24 weeks.
The purpose of the procedure is to remove the fetus from the woman’s uterus so that its development is stopped in the safest way possible for her.
In Greece, abortion is permitted under certain conditions. The Penal Code’s Article 304 allows termination of pregnancy (induced abortion) only with the consent of the pregnant woman and only by an obstetrician-gynecologist and an anesthesiologist within an organized medical unit, in the following cases:
- Within the first 12 weeks of gestation in any case.
- Within the first 19 weeks, if the pregnancy is the result of rape, seduction of a minor, incest, or abuse of a woman unable to resist.
- Within the first 24 weeks, if there are indications of a serious fetal abnormality that would result in a pathological newborn.
- With no time limit, if there is an inevitable risk to the life of the pregnant woman or risk of serious and lasting damage to her physical or mental health, confirmed by an appropriate physician.
What is the procedure? How is an abortion performed?
There are various techniques that can be used to terminate a pregnancy. The method selected depends on how far along the pregnancy is. A woman may have an abortion either through medication or through a surgical procedure.
After the required appointment — during which the gynecologist will perform a pelvic examination and test for sexually transmitted infections — an ultrasound will be used to determine the exact gestational age.
Then, the appropriate abortion method will be chosen, and a blood test will be needed to verify the woman’s blood type and Rh factor, as well as her hematocrit level (to check for anemia).
Suction Method: Surgical abortion is performed using two techniques. The method chosen depends on the gestational week. When the abortion is performed around 6 weeks after the woman’s last period, the suction (vacuum aspiration) method is most commonly preferred. This method is considered less traumatic than dilation and curettage (D&C) and is essentially carried out with the help of a small tube that is inserted into the uterine cavity. This tube is connected to a device that creates suction and removes the embryo and the placenta. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia applied to the cervix.
Dilation and Curettage (D&C) Method: When the abortion is performed before 12 weeks of pregnancy, it may be done by scraping the endometrium and removing the contents of the uterus — that is, the embryo and the placenta. The method is performed using a special instrument (a curette), which is used to carry out the procedure. For a more thorough and safer outcome, a combination of both methods (suction and curettage) is often chosen.
What is a medical abortion? Is there an abortion pill?
There are cases in which an abortion can be induced through the administration of medications. Several options exist, and the most appropriate one depends on the stage of the pregnancy.
Abortion Pill: The abortion pill (mifepristone) should not be confused with the "morning-after pill.” This process is considered a more “natural” form of abortion, as it resembles a miscarriage. Taking these specific medications is an alternative to the traditional surgical evacuation of the uterus. The abortion pill has high success rates, which are even higher when the abortion is performed early. It is estimated that for women who are two months pregnant or less, the success rate is around 96%. Of course, as with all medical procedures, complications can occur. The most common side effects of this method include infection or heavy and prolonged bleeding, as well as the possibility of an incomplete or unsuccessful abortion — which would require a surgical abortion.
Abortion with Oxytocin & Prostaglandins: In cases where the pregnancy is more advanced and an abortion must be performed for medical reasons (related to the health of the mother or the fetus), medical abortion is chosen. Oxytocin is an injectable medication that causes uterine contractions (labor-like pains) and is used for abortions during the second trimester and beyond. Prostaglandins cause strong uterine contractions and help facilitate cervical dilation.
At what age can I have an abortion?
It should be noted that there is no age limit regarding abortions. Any woman can terminate her pregnancy if this is what she wishes. Unfortunately, even today, there is significant stigma surrounding this issue. Many women — especially younger ones — may take longer to realize or disclose an unwanted pregnancy to those around them, which can lead to consequences that may endanger their health.
It is important to emphasize that abortion is not a method of contraception. Children should receive sexual education from an early age and be informed about all aspects of the reproductive process, so that such situations can be prevented.
What is the cost? Is it affordable?
The cost of an abortion depends on many different factors, including the type of abortion (medical or surgical), the stage of the pregnancy, and any potential complications. Each case is unique and comes with its own specific considerations and challenges. A specialized obstetrician–gynecologist can guide you based on your individual situation. For any questions, you can always consult Dr. Panagiotis Polyzos here. εδώ.
