Abortion; the medical definition of abortion is, ‘Abortion, in medicine, means the premature exit of the products of conception’. In layman terms, abortion can be explained as, a procedure to end a pregnancy using medicines or surgeries to remove the fetus and the placenta, from the uterus. Abortion is a medical procedure which can be performed only by licensed and experienced, one who has the skills, that is the medical professionals.
In our country, India, there is a vivid plethora of stigma associated with that of abortion. It is a controversial and most sinful, according to the orthodox beliefs to terminate a life containing fetus. But as the shackles of conventions are getting entangled by the passing days, there has been some positive approach towards dealing with this entire subject of abortion.
The decision of abortion
Abortion, in itself, is a very critical paradigm. Not only for contemporary society, but it also poses similar critical augmentations for the patient and the doctor too. In cases of terminating a pregnancy due to pertaining health risks to the mother and the fetus, it can be indeed difficult and highly challenging to explain it to the patient.
In cases of women, who wants to opt for abortion, as a choice, the picture turns graver. In today’s modern world, where the women and men work at par with each other at all sectors, it is fully legitimate and justifiable on the women’s part to decide on her life decisions. Undeniably, pregnancy and the whole of the post-natal care has a vast impact on the mother’s life than anyone else. So, it is up to the woman whether she feels ready and competent enough to embrace the new life. Hence, any final say on abortion is abided with the woman’s decision. There is no greater importance to be rendered to the decision of anyone other than the mother, except in the cases of teenage abortion, wherein the parents can have a say.
The social stigma is extravagated due to the cost of abortion in India. Often and again, people are not sure of which is the actual optimal cost of surgical abortion in India, which is why they end up at places demanding more and thus, tries to take alternative illegal and dangerous ways for abortion.
Methods of abortion
Abortion are of two types: the surgical abortion or the medical termination. The method which is to be devised is decided by the doctor, who looks for the conditions and age of the fetus, takes into consideration other necessary aspects and hence, performs it.
Medicinal termination (abortion):
- Medicinal termination is performed in pregnancy of less than 6 weeks.
- It is a safe nonsurgical method performed with medicines which should be taken under strict medical supervision.
Surgical termination (abortion):
- Surgical abortion conducted by vacuum suction. It is a safe method with very less complication rate.
- Performed in a well-equipped operation theatre.
- Sterile equipment is used and disposable syringes needles and cannula are used.
- The procedure is performed either in general or local anaesthesia under ultrasound guidance.
- The procedure takes about 15 minutes.
- The patient is kept in the hospital for 2 to 3 hours for complete recovery from anesthesia.
- Oral medication is given for a couple of days after the procedure.
Surgical termination is the method used in most cases. As the conditions for the surgical abortion broader and has better success rates, it is the most prominent method.
Cost of surgical abortion in India:
The cost of surgical abortion in India can be somewhere between Rs. 3,000 -Rs, 10,000. The cost of surgical abortions varies according to the kind of surgery, the facilities rendered by the hospital, complication that arise post-abortion, post operation care, so and so forth. The bewildering picture of the cost of surgical abortions in India has made the people remain more aloof from resorting to safer surgical abortions. In big cities like Delhi, people are not sure of the cost of surgical abortion in Delhi. The cost of surgical abortion in Delhi, like any other place, is depended on the gestational age or the fetal age.
Thus, it is recommended and highly advised to look out for the certified hospitals and proficient doctors, before undergoing surgical abortions.