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Last updated: 02/17/2009
The doctor must know accurately the stage of a woman's pregnancy before an abortion is performed. The doctor will ask the woman questions about her menstrual cycle and also do a physical examination to confirm the stage of pregnancy. This may be done at an office visit before the abortion or on the day of the abortion.
Pre-abortion counseling is important in helping a woman resolve any questions she may have about having the procedure. Some states require a waiting period (most often of 24 hours) following counseling before the abortion may be obtained. Most states require parental consent or notification if the patient is under the age of 18.
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A pregnancy can be intentionally aborted in many ways. The manner selected depends chiefly upon thegestational age of the embryo or fetus, in addition to the legality, regional availability, and doctor-patient preference for specific procedures. Reasons for procuring induced abortions are typically characterized as either therapeutic or elective. An abortion is medically referred to as therapeutic when it is performed to:
save the life of the pregnant woman;
preserve the woman's physical or mental health;
terminate pregnancy that would result in a child born with a congenital disorder that would be fatal or associated with significant morbidity; or
selectively reduce the number of fetuses to lessen health risks associated with multiple pregnancy.
Any abortion that is not therapeutic is by definition elective.
Other Information
an obstetrician/gynecologist is a physician specialist who provides medical and surgical care to women and has particular expertise in pregnancy, childbirth, and disorders of the reproductive system.
From: womenshealthchannel.com
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