WHEN IS ABORTION JUSTIFIED

The process of abortion is an intensely difficult situation for the woman physically, psychologically and often socially.It is difficult to justify the need for abortion.Hence the decision to proceed with it should be done after a careful and in-depth consideration of wide ranging issues discussed by the woman and her health care provider .

Abortion statistics seem to be increasing the world over .The major onus of ensuring good reproductive health lies in the hands of health care providers .
Abortion is totally justifiable as long as it is within legal limits and the woman has made an informed choice in the best interests of her current and future reproductive health needs.

The major keystones when abortion is technically justifiable are:
1)Medical : Health problems in the woman where continuing the pregnancy may have an adverse impact on her physical or mental health.This decision should be discussed in conjunction with her medical team.

2)Eugenic: this is a condition where a major congenital abnormality in the fetus has been detected by a definite test done during the antenatal period.This could imply that the condition is not compatible with life or would affect the quality of the unborn baby's future life in a major way.

3)Social : this condition implies a failure of contraception which could either be user related or actually failure of the method itself despite correct use( no method of contraception has a 100% efficacy)

4)Humanitarian : this indication means justifying abortion on the grounds that pregnancy has resulted from rape or incest and potentially likely to cause serious mental anguish to the woman as a result.

The cardinal issues which should be covered by the health care provider, in order to justify abortion, should include:
1)Recording a good history to ascertain the emotional,social and medical background of the woman and her partner.
2)Discussion of legal limits and rules at the local,regional and national level.
3)A good interactive discussion of the methods available ,possible complications and recovery.
4)Advice on future contraception to the woman and her partner.
5)Alternative possibilities like adoption or providing social support if pregnancy continues.

As long as the woman fully understands immediate and long term implications of abortion , it is her right and prerogative to make an informed choice to proceed with abortion.A responsible health care provider should impart non-judgmental advice based on good evidence to enable the client to make a decision to best suit her health needs.

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