Some health conditions can be life-threatening to a woman’s health during pregnancy. Those conditions are rare, but if it does occur, doctors will do everything in their power to save the woman’s life, including but not limited to abortion.
Is Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment and Abortion the Same?
Though the procedures can be similar, there is a difference between treating ectopic pregnancy and abortion.
First, an ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that takes place outside the uterus and is not viable due to this placement. Treatment is necessary for this circumstance as it can cause fatal effects for the mother.
Dr. Patricia Santiago Munoz, M.D., states, “Ectopic pregnancy treatment is not the same as abortion. The medical definition of “abortion” is removal of an embryo and placenta from the uterus…treatment cannot be generalized as ‘abortion,’ particularly because many women with ectopic pregnancies planned to conceive and wanted to carry their pregnancies to term.”
An abortion terminates a pregnancy that is viable and within the uterus.
Are Miscarriage and Abortion the Same?
A miscarriage is “the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week.” Sometimes a miscarriage must be treated to protect a mother’s health.
Abortion takes place when a woman electively ends a viable pregnancy early and may sometimes take place after 20 weeks.
The University of Missouri’s School of Medicine states, “Induced abortions are commonly voluntary (elective)…in contrast to spontaneous abortion, or miscarriage, in which the embryo or fetus is involuntarily expelled because of accidental trauma or disease.”
Will Emergency Care Still Be Provided, Post-Roe?
After the Supreme Court’s overruling of Roe V. Wade handed the power to make decisions regarding abortion back to the states and the people, many questioned if care would still be provided to women for emergencies.
According to this letter from the Secretary of Health and Human Services, post-Roe women will not be denied medical interventions to save their life. Regardless of what woman’s state of origin or where she seeks treatment, care will be provided.
Need Help Understanding Your Options?
We understand it can be challenging to sift through so much information alone. If you would like assistance in understanding your options, contact us today.
Here at Palm Beach Women’s Clinic, we welcome you to ask any questions or discuss concerns you may have during your no-cost, confidential appointment. We look forward to serving you.