Glossary of Frequently Used Terms

Abortion

Ending a pregnancy.

Abortifacient

A drug, herb, or device that can cause abortion (end a pregnancy).

Abortion pill

Describes the process of medication abortion, which includes the use of two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, to safely end a pregnancy. Also often called “medical abortion”

Aspiration abortion

A procedure that ends pregnancy by emptying the uterus with the gentle suction of a manual syringe or with machine-operated suction. Also called “in-clinic abortion.”

D & C (dilation and curettage)

The use of a curette — a metal medical instrument with a narrow loop — to gently scrape away the uterine lining, and the use of suction to remove tissue from the uterus. Can be used for abortion care or for treatment of a miscarriage.

D & E (dilation and evacuation)

The use of suction and medical tools to remove tissue from the uterus during an abortion.

Induced abortion

The intentional termination of pregnancy.

Incomplete Abortion

A kind of miscarriage or abortion in which some pregnancy tissue passes out of the uterus but some stays inside. Sometimes treatment is needed to remove the remaining tissue.

Manual vacuum aspiration (MVA)

An early abortion procedure in which a small, hand-held suction device or suction machine gently takes the pregnancy tissue out of the uterus.

Medication Abortion / Medical Abortion

The use of a combination of drugs to end a pregnancy. Also called the “abortion pill.”

Mifepristone

One of two drugs (the other is misoprostol) used for a medication abortion. Commonly known as “the abortion pill.” The brand name in the U.S is Mifeprex.

Misoprostol

A medication that can be used to complete a medication abortion that’s been induced with mifepristone. This process is commonly known as the abortion pill. Although less effective than mifepristone, misoprostol is used alone for abortion in some countries.

Missed abortion / missed miscarriage

When a pregnancy ends, but the tissue remains in the uterus. Sometimes this can lead to a person continuing to experience pregnancy symptoms for a time. Treatment is sometimes needed to remove the tissue from the uterus.

Pro-choice

Supporting the right to safe, legal abortion.

Septic abortion

An abortion or miscarriage that leads to infection. Usually associated with illegal and unsafe abortion, aggressive medical treatment is often required to save the life of the patient.

Spontaneous abortion

Miscarriage, pregnancy loss.

Therapeutic abortion

Ending a pregnancy because of a fetal abnormality or to protect the pregnant person’s physical or mental health or life.

Vacuum aspiration abortion

A surgical procedure in which a pregnancy is removed from the uterus with a gentle suction device.

FAQs about Abortions

How are abortions usually done?

There are two main ways of ending a pregnancy: in-clinic abortion (often called surgical abortion) and the abortion pill. In-clinic abortions are simple & safe procedures that works by using suction to take a pregnancy out of your uterus.

There are a couple of kinds of in-clinic abortion procedures. Your doctor or nurse will know which type is right for you, depending on how far you are into your pregnancy. The abortion pill works up to 11 weeks of pregnancy and can usually be done in the privacy of your home.

Will having an abortion affect my ability to conceive in the future?

Abortion is safe. Unless there’s a rare and serious complication that’s not treated, there’s no risk to your ability to have children in the future or to your overall health. Having an abortion doesn’t increase your risk for breast cancer, and it doesn’t cause depression or mental health issues. Abortions don’t cause infertility either. In fact, it’s possible to get pregnant quickly after you have an abortion. So it’s a good idea to talk to your nurse or doctor about a birth control plan for after your abortion.

How much does it cost?

There is no standard market price in Jamaica and because of the law it isn’t covered by insurance and price gauging can occur. However, based on our Abortion stories submissions, we estimate that in-clinic abortions can cost between $20,000 - $40,000.

What symptoms can I expect after an abortion?

A good doctor will give after-care instructions and a phone number you can call if you have any questions or concerns. Depending on the procedure, you may have to go back for a check-up or lab work after your procedure.

Plan on resting after your abortion. You can usually go back to work, school and most other normal activities the next day. Avoid hard work or heavy exercise for a few days. You can use pads, tampons, or a menstrual cup for any bleeding —  whatever's the most comfortable for you. But your nurse or doctor may recommend you use pads so you can track how much you're bleeding. You can have sex as soon as you feel ready.

Most people feel fine within a day or two, but it’s common for bleeding to last for a week (or several weeks after the abortion pill). Cramping can happen for a few days.

It’s totally normal to have a lot of different emotions after your abortion. Everyone’s experience is different, and there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to feel. Most people are relieved and don’t regret their decision. Others may feel sadness, guilt, or regret after an abortion. Lots of people have all these feelings at different times. These feelings aren’t unique to having an abortion. People feel many different emotions after giving birth, too.

Serious, long-term emotional problems after an abortion are rare. But everybody’s different, and certain things can make coping with an abortion hard. Most people feel better if they have someone supportive to talk to after an abortion. But even if you don’t think there’s anybody in your life you can talk with, you’re not alone. Your nurse or doctor can talk with you, or help you find a licensed counselor or a non-judgmental support group.

Jamaica Observer: Letter to the Editor

letters to the editor

26 Jan

Published in the Jamaica Observer Jan 26
Dear Editor,

The issue of abortion enters the public arena as frequently as waves crash onto shore. Verbal battles between pro-choice and pro-life groups have shown that one of these two main groups has remained largely unevolved in its advocacy.

This letter is a response to the Jamaica Observer's January 25, 2021 cover article entitled 'Abortion Rebellion', in which Rev Dr Peter Garth expressed his disrespect towards a person's right to make decisions about her body and future.

This letter's aim is not to argue morality, because everyone has the right to a personal moral compass. Nor is it to convince people who see abortionists as criminals that the debate is not black and white. I'll simply state the facts that Rev Garth has ignored:

1) Abortions have been happening for centuries and will continue to happen centuries from today. The law only prevents them from happening safely. By opposing decriminalisation Rev Garth is green-lighting the continuation of unsafe and unregulated abortions.

2) One out of every three abortions done between 2015 and 2019 was carried out in unsafe or dangerous conditions. Without decriminalisation the Medical Council of Jamaica is unable to formally intervene and ensure that all abortions are done safely.

3) Unsafe abortions are a direct threat to public health and maternal mortality, and disproportionately affect low-income individuals. Rev Garth disregards that people have abortions for a vast number of reasons and people with low incomes are the ones who suffer under our law.

4) Complications from illegal abortions are the eighth leading cause of maternal death in Jamaica. The question is: Does Rev Garth feel comfortable knowing that people who could've received legal and safe abortion care risk their own life?

Rev Garth himself acknowledges that “3,000 years from now, abortions on demand will still be wrong”. Well, Rev, 3,000 years from now abortions will still occur. This means that whether one believes the act is good or bad, the need will persist. Therefore, we must ensure the procedure is done safely, accessible, and entirely up to the person getting the abortion, upon the advice of a medical practitioner, and not the religious opinion of a theologian unaffected by people's personal life.

The landmark ruling of legalising abortion up to the 14th week of pregnancy in Argentina, an extremely Catholic country, shows that the Church's opinion on abortion is not black and white, and the quality health care of those who will have abortions must be legally protected. It is the hope of many that the same victory can take place in Jamaica. But, until then, we will continue to be the small axe, consistently chipping away at the big tree.

The Church should look at the facts presented and not be led by beliefs that ignore our realities here in Jamaica.

Ashley Dalley
abortionjamaica.com