Abortion: Facts, Rates, and Safety

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Questions and Answers

Which factor primarily contributes to correlations observed between psychological problems and individuals seeking abortions?

  • The invasive nature of the abortion procedure itself.
  • Pre-existing psychological conditions that make individuals more likely to seek abortions. (correct)
  • Social stigma and judgment associated with abortion decisions.
  • Hormonal changes induced by the abortion procedure.

What is the most commonly reported emotional response following an abortion?

  • Prolonged depression and anxiety.
  • Severe post-traumatic stress disorder.
  • Intense regret and guilt.
  • A mix of emotions, with relief being prominent. (correct)

Which of the following best describes the trend in abortion rates in the United States prior to 2020?

  • A decline to record lows over a 30-year period. (correct)
  • A consistent rate with minor fluctuations.
  • A sharp increase followed by a period of stability.
  • A steady increase.

What is the estimated proportion of women in the United States who will have an abortion during their reproductive years?

<p>Approximately 1 in 4. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor influencing the risk of complications associated with abortion procedures?

<p>The gestational age at which the abortion is performed. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the general consensus regarding the impact of abortion on future fertility?

<p>Abortion has no impact on future fertility or pregnancy risks. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do abortion rates compare between countries where abortion is legal and those where it is banned?

<p>Rates do not differ significantly between the two groups of countries. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding medication abortions?

<p>Telehealth-provided medication abortions are as safe as those provided in person (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic group is statistically most likely to seek an abortion?

<p>Individuals in their 20s. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

As of March 2025, approximately what proportion of people who could get pregnant in the US reside in states with highly restricted or no access to abortion?

<p>Approximately 1/3. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the current status of abortion legality in Georgia?

<p>Abortion is banned after cardiac activity can be detected. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How have college students' views on abortion typically changed during their college years?

<p>They generally become more liberal due to interactions with peers and broader perspectives. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the 2024 Pew Survey, what percentage of Americans believe abortion should be legal in all cases?

<p>25% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT supported by evidence regarding the risks and consequences of abortion?

<p>Abortion is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022, what entity primarily determines abortion laws in the United States?

<p>Individual states. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of abortions occur after 20 weeks of gestation?

<p>They are extremely rare. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the relationship between strict abortion laws and abortion rates?

<p>Strict abortion laws do not necessarily decrease abortion rates. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of individuals who seek abortions, regarding their existing parental status?

<p>Over half already have children. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributes to the college students becoming more liberal concerning abortion?

<p>Interactions with peers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In states with total abortion bans as of March 2025, under what circumstances, if any, is abortion typically permitted?

<p>Only when the woman's life is in danger. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Abortion Rate

The number of abortions per 1,000 women aged 15-44 in a given year.

First Trimester Abortion

A medical procedure to terminate a pregnancy, typically performed during the first trimester.

Medication Abortion

An abortion induced by taking medication, often pills, rather than through a surgical procedure.

Post-Abortion Feelings

The most common emotion reported by individuals after undergoing an abortion.

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Roe v. Wade

The landmark Supreme Court decision that was overturned in June 2022, which had protected the right to abortion on a federal level.

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Cardiac Activity Abortion Ban

A term used to describe laws that prohibit abortion after the detection of cardiac activity in the fetus, typically around 6 weeks of pregnancy.

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Effect of Abortion Bans

The impact of strict abortion laws on the actual number of abortions performed.

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2024 Pew Survey on Abortion

A survey conducted in 2024 that provides insights into the distribution of opinions on abortion in the US.

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Study Notes

  • The abortion rate in the US had been decreasing for 30 years, reaching a record low in 2017, but has slightly increased since 2020.
  • About 1 in 4 women will have an abortion.
  • Most abortions occur during the first trimester.
  • Abortions after 20 weeks are extremely rare and usually for health reasons.
  • Medication abortions are not the most common type in the US.
  • Telehealth combined with mailed pills is as safe as in-person abortions.
  • People in their 20s are most likely to get an abortion.
  • Over half of those who get abortions already have children.
  • Most individuals obtaining abortions have had 0 or 1 previous abortions.

Risks and Consequences of Abortion

  • Abortion is safe and effective, with major complications occurring in less than 1% of cases.
  • The risk of complications increases with gestational age.
  • Abortion does not cause breast cancer or any other cancers.
  • Abortion does not decrease future fertility or increase risks for future pregnancies.
  • Abortion does not increase the risk of psychological issues.
  • Relief is the most common feeling after an abortion, and negative feelings are often short-lived.
  • Psychological problems are correlated with abortion because people with psychological problems are more likely to seek abortions, not because abortion causes these problems.

Abortion Accessibility in US

  • Abortion accessibility in the US was declining before 2022.
  • In June 2022, the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, allowing individual states to determine abortion laws.
  • As of March 2025, 12 states have total abortion bans, and 4 states limit abortions at or near 6 weeks LMP.
  • Georgia bans abortion after cardiac activity can be detected, around 6 weeks since the last period.
  • Approximately â…“ of all people who could get pregnant in the US live in a state with no or very limited access to abortion.
  • Strict abortion laws do not decrease abortion rates.
  • Abortion rates in countries where it is legal are similar to those in countries where it is banned.
  • Nearly half of all abortions worldwide are illegal, increasing the likelihood of unsafe procedures.

US Opinions about Abortion

  • According to a 2024 Pew Survey:
    • 8% believe abortion should always be illegal.
    • 28% believe it should be illegal in most cases.
    • 38% believe it should be legal in most cases.
    • 25% believe it should be legal in all cases.
  • There is a small gender difference in opinions.
  • Black and Asian Americans are more supportive of legal abortion than White and Hispanic Americans.
  • Those under 30 are slightly more supportive of legal abortion.
  • College students' opinions on abortion are normally distributed, with a slight majority being pro-choice.
  • More education correlates with slightly higher support for legal abortion.
  • On average, individuals become more liberal about abortion during college due to interactions with peers.

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