Despite the wide availability of family planning methods in Anguilla, unplanned pregnancies continue to occur. It was believed that with the introduction of ‘emergency contraception’ in Anguilla there would be a further decrease in unplanned pregnancies, but this has failed to occur as yet. Despite the many dangers of late term abortions many women still use this method for dealing with an unplanned pregnancy.
What is a late-term abortion?
A late-term abortion often refers to an induced abortion procedure that occurs after the 20th week of gestation. However, the exact point when a pregnancy becomes late-term is not clearly defined. Some sources define an abortion after 12 weeks as “late”, while others use the point of fetal viability.
Complications of late-term abortions
Late-term abortion, like any other procedure, has complications some of which can result in death of the pregnant woman. Often, women have these late-term abortions in facilities that are not equipped to deal with complications and sometimes these procedures are carried out by poorly trained and non-professional individuals. Complications of late-term abortions vary from one individual to another. In addition to the emotional effects, there are many serious complications associated with late-term abortions, including the following:
Sepsis
Sepsis or septicemia is defined as a serious medical condition caused by the body’s response to infection that can lead to widespread clotting and inflammation. Often, late-term abortions are carried out in not ideal facilities and infection sometimes occurs which can go on to septicemia.
Signs of septicemia after a late-term abortion include fever, chills, severe abdominal pain, foul smelling vaginal discharge and excessive bleeding.
Ruptured or Perforated Uterus
The doctor performing this procedure does so without the benefit of seeing the uterus. As instruments are introduced into the uterus, the possibility of perforation or tearing arises. During late-term abortions, this proves especially true as the fetus is larger and the uterus is thinner. In the event of a perforated uterus, surgery may become necessary to close the tear or, in extreme cases, the uterus may have to be removed.
Severe bleeding from the uterus
Following a late-term abortion severe uterine bleeding might occur. Sometimes late-term abortions are carried out in facilities without immediate access to blood and other replacement fluids. This can lead to shock and even death. Severe haemorrhage is a common cause of death associated with late-term abortions.
Other complications
There are other complications associated with late-term abortions. These include incomplete extractions, internal organ damage, uterine scarring and cervical damage. Many of these complications can be prevented if special care is taken by the person doing the abortion.
Preventing complications of late-term abortions
The best way to prevent the complications of late-term abortions is not to have any late-term abortions. Increasing the knowledge of the population about the methods of family planning available in Anguilla must be an ongoing strategy. The Anguilla Family Planning Association is always willing and available to provide information to individuals and or groups on family planning programmes, but other health professionals also have a role to play in educating members of the community about family planning.
For those women who still want to have a late-term abortion, they should make sure that they choose an abortionist who is very experienced. It is important to ask whether or not the one you are considering is a certified reputable physician, and whether or not he or she has any experience in obstetrics or gynaecology. In many countries there are many abortionists who are not certified physicians.
Conclusion
Abortion is a highly controversial topic in many countries including Anguilla. Despite the many contraceptive measures available in Anguilla, late-term abortions still occur. Every woman who plans to have a late-term abortion has unique and personal reasons. It is important that she makes an informed decision, which means she needs to be aware of the risks involved. It is critical that she chooses a reputable health care provider who will discuss the possible risks with her and address any concerns. Efforts must continue to prevent unplanned pregnancies in Anguilla.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in the Johnson Building in The Valley.
