Termination of a pregnancy can be necessary for a variety of reasons. The legislation governing termination of pregnancy varies from country to country.

However termination of pregnancy should not be regarded as a regular method of birth control. Unfortunately too many women still have unwanted pregnancies. Medical and sociological studies have shown that women still have insufficient knowledge about the biology of their own bodies and about the possibilities of effective contraception. Apart from this 'knowledge component', however, ethical and social values also play a role. The responsibility for contraception is the joint responsibility of both partners. by choice - not chance!

The following sections inform you about the methods used for termination of pregnancy.

Curettage

The pregnancy is terminated by instrumental evacuation of the uterus. In suction curettage, also known as vacuum aspiration, the cervix is dilated and the contents of the uterine cavity removed by suction. In sharp curettage (also known as surgical curettage or D&C) the lining of the womb is scraped out with a special instrument (curette). Curettage is usually performed under a general anesthetic.

Being a surgical procedure curettage has the usual risks of anesthesia plus a number of possible side-effects. After termination of the pregnancy it can take some time for the menstrual cycle to return to normal. At the beginning there is usually light and irregular bleeding. Possible complications are ascending infections which can lead to infertility.

In some women emotional problems occur after termination of the pregnancy. This is particularly the case if the termination is not the woman's own decision or if the woman is not sure how she feels about having children.

Medical abortion

A drug for induction of abortion, taken in tablet-form, has been available for a number of years. The active ingredient, mifepristone (RU 486), is a so-called antiprogestin which blocks the pregnancy-maintaining hormone progesterone. It may only be used up to the 49th day after the first day of the last period (7th week of pregnancy).

Three tablets of mifepristone are taken over several days. After 36 – 48 hours a prostaglandin, a substance which triggers labor-like contractions of the uterus, is also administered. This leads to expulsion of the pregnancy tissue. Pelvic pain can occur but can be treated with an analgesic.

In rare cases the pregnancy may not be terminated. In this case curettage is performed.

Mifepristone and prostaglandins are potent drugs which can have side-effects and which are not suitable for all women. Your doctor will give you more detailed information. The following information is merely intended as a general guide.

Nausea and vomiting, pelvic cramping and cardiovascular complications are possible side-effects of medical abortion.

Medical abortion is not suitable for women with chronic kidney or liver damage, severe asthma or disorders of blood coagulation.

Interactions with other drugs are also known. You should also inform your doctor if you taking any regular medication.

Use of mifepristone requires medical supervision throughout the entire procedure.