Abortion Medico-Legal Overview

Study Notes

Medico-legally, abortion is the expulsion of the contents of a gravid uterus before term (280 days, or roughly ten lunar months or ten menstrual cycles).

Threatened: Vaginal bleeding, minor abdominal or lower back discomfort, usually in early pregnancy, and the opening of the cervix (os) is closed.
Inevitable: Similar to threatened but with more severe pain and an open cervix (os).
Incomplete: Similar to inevitable, but only part of the pregnancy contents are expelled from the uterus.
Complete: All of the pregnancy material expelled, and the cervix (os) closes.
Missed: The pregnancy is lost inside the uterus, with few or no symptoms.

Legally induced abortion for the mother's life.
Requires strong medical indication.
Consent needed from the woman and her husband (if applicable).
Must be performed in a well-equipped public government hospital.
Performed by two expert obstetricians.
A detailed report must be documented by all attendees (including the doctor). The report should include all procedures including pre, during and post-operative details.

Abortion methods depend on three key factors:
- The woman's cultural background.
- Available methods.
- Stage of pregnancy (term).
Common methods include:
- Violence directed at the pelvis.
- Strenuous exercise.
- Substances injected into the vagina or uterus (uterine enema).
- Dilating the cervix (e.g., using objects, herbs, or tablets).
- Evacuating the uterus.
- Induction methods.
- Laparotomy or caesarean section.