Abortion vs Miscarriage
Understanding the differences
MISCARRIAGE is a spontaneous event where a pregnancy ends on its own. It is a common occurrence, with approximately 10-20% of known pregnancies ending in miscarriage. The causes can vary, including chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, health conditions in the mother, or other unforeseen complications. In most cases, the cause is difficult to determine. Regardless of the cause, miscarriages are unintended.
ABORTION is the intentional termination of a pregnancy. It can be carried out through medical methods, such as taking prescribed medication, or surgical procedures performed by healthcare professionals. Unlike miscarriage, abortion is a deliberate choice made by the individual or couple involved.
Now let’s take a look at 3 different aspects of abortions and miscarriages:
Emotional aspect -
The emotional impact of both miscarriage and abortion is significant, but the experiences are typically different. Miscarriages often come with a sense of loss and grief, as they are usually unexpected and unwanted. The sudden end of a pregnancy can leave individuals and couples dealing with a range of emotions, including sadness, guilt, and confusion. If you have experienced a miscarriage, know that it was not your fault. Support from healthcare providers, family, and friends is crucial during this time.
Abortion can also be emotionally complex. For some, it is a straightforward decision, for others, it can be a difficult choice, or some may experience feeling pressured to get an abortion. The decision to have an abortion may be accompanied by many emotions such as sadness, guilt, or even doubt. Access to counseling and supportive services is essential to help individuals navigate their feelings before and after the procedure.
Medical and Legal aspect -
From a medical standpoint, managing a miscarriage is handled by an OBGYN physician. It is important to ensure that all the products of conception have been completely removed to prevent infection or complications. This might require medication or a surgical procedure like dilation and curettage (D&C) if the miscarriage does not occur spontaneously or is not complete. The physician and the patient work together to come up with the best plan of care. It is important to follow-up with the physician to monitor the physical and emotional recovery of the individual.
Abortion procedures vary depending on the stage of pregnancy, the provider, and the method the patient chooses. Early abortions can either be performed by medication or surgery, while later-stage abortions are a more complex surgical procedure. Post Roe in the USA, the legal landscape surrounding abortion is diverse and frequently changing, with laws varying widely from state to state.
Social and Cultural aspect
Societal attitudes toward miscarriage and abortion can heavily influence the experiences of those going through them. Miscarriages, though common, are often not openly discussed, and can lead to feelings of isolation for those affected. Creating a supportive environment where people can share their experiences without stigma is vital.
Abortion remains a topic that can polarize people. Some share openly and others choose to not share with anyone. It is important to have people around you that you can trust to walk with in a time like this.
When considering an individual's experience with abortion vs miscarriage – it is important to know that these are two different things. Parkridge medical staff and counselors are equipped to listen, educate, and support in either of these pregnancy events. If you have questions about anything discussed or would like to schedule a free and confidential appointment – click here.
We hope the information included here is helpful, and is received in conjunction with other medical and mental health information. This blog post is not intended to replace information directly received from a medical provider. Our services include pregnancy testing, confirmation ultrasound, options education, STD testing and treatment, professional counseling and support after abortion. Parkridge offers free counseling on a variety of issues including relationships, sex, and abortion. All services are always free of charge, confidential, and delivered by licensed professionals. Schedule an appointment today –click here, or call 806.794.8555.
