Abortion Clinics 

Statistics and research indicate that today approximately 1.2 million abortions are performed each year in the United States. That means that about 2 percent of women ages 15-44 will visit and abortion clinic to have an abortion each year. Most of the abortions, ninety percent, are performed in the first trimester (first 12 weeks) with the bulk occurring during the first eight weeks. There are not many abortions performed after 16 weeks, however, sometimes a medical condition or emergency situation may require one.

Medical Abortion Methods

While most abortions are chosen on the basis of contraception failure, the feeling of not being able to support or care for a child is another common reason for an abortion choice. In the earliest stages of pregnancy, a medical abortion is usually preferred and there are two methods for this type of abortion procedure. The abortion pill, Mifeprex (also known as RU486) is taken in a doctor's office and then followed up two days later by a different medication called misoprostol. This drug causes uterine contractions that result in the aborting of the pregnancy. The second abortion procedure is an injection of a drug called methotrexate followed a week later by misoprostol, which acts as it does in the first instance. Both methods are said to be safe and effective. A follow-up visit to an abortion clinic is required to ensure the abortion is complete. A woman's reproductive health is compromised if she does not get the proper follow-up care.

Surgical Abortion Providers

An abortion clinic provides the services of abortion, either medically as above, or surgically. Planned Parenthood can provide in-clinic abortions that cost about $350 to $900 in the first trimester. They can also provide a comprehensive list of abortion clinics in the United States. Abortion prices vary from state to state and are also dependent upon how far along the pregnancy has progressed. Abortion information can be obtained through them, as well as through other abortion agencies.

Birth Defect Risks

Although medical reasons for abortions are not as common as choosing abortion for the reasons mentioned above, they are sometimes necessary present a very difficult decision for a pregnant woman. Some women opt for an abortion to prevent giving birth to a baby with serious birth defects or disabilities. Others have medical issues affecting their lives and a pregnancy may be a risk to their lives or health if carried to term.

An amniocentesis can be performed between weeks 14 and 20 of a pregnancy and may detect chromosomal defects which can lead to a number of different birth defects, genetic disorders and other abnormalities. Some parents decide to have an amniocentesis in order to determine if they will have a baby with a defect and some want to decide if they should terminate the pregnancy. It is important to note that not all birth defects are incompatible with life. Many are treatable and some may mean adjustments to family life. The attempt to balance quality of life with desire for a family is a tough place to be.

Pregnancy Risks for Women

Some women have medical conditions that make a pregnancy high risk, making it difficult or even dangerous to give birth. Conditions that can seriously complicate pregnancy and birth include cancer, heart disease, diabetes, HIV, AIDS, autoimmune disorders and STDs. Abortions may be sought in these cases and also in cases of rape or incest where the mental health of the mother is classified as a valid reason for an abortion.

As with any type of serious life decision, it is always best to be well informed. Abortions facts, from various perspectives, should be examined carefully before a decision is made. Abortion information - including PASS and other post-abortion issues are also available for research. It is not a light matter, nor is it one women step into easily in most cases.