Admin - September 29th, 2010
A parental consent law (or parental notification law) is an issue surrounded by media attention. So without all the hype and biased opinions you hear on the news, here’s an honest answer to questions you should ask yourself about these laws before having an abortion.
So what is a parental consent law? A parental consent law typically means that you will need to get permission from a parent or guardian if you are under 18 before undergoing the abortion procedure.
Does my state have it? Individual states decide whether or not to demand parental permission for an abortion. At this time, Illinois does not require a parental signature before an abortion. If you’re from another state, click here for a break down of each state’s requirements.
Should I tell my parents anyway? This is a good question to ask yourself even if your state does not, by law, require you to. Abortion is one of the few medical procedures that does not always require the consent of a parent or guardian. Keeping in mind that abortion is a medical procedure, there are health risks involved. The following facts are taken directly from the Web MD article “Abortion- Before, During, and After an Abortion: When to Call a Doctor.”
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Severe bleeding. Both medical and surgical abortions usually cause bleeding that is different from a normal menstrual period. Severe bleeding can mean: passing clots that are bigger than a golf ball, lasting 2 or more hours; soaking more than 2 large pads in an hour, for 2 hours in a row; or bleeding heavily for 12 hours in a row.
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Signs of infection in your whole body, such as headache, muscle aches, dizziness, or a general feeling of illness. Severe infection is possible without fever.
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Severe pain in the abdomen that is not relieved by pain medicine, rest, or heat
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Hot flushes or a fever of 100.4F or higher that lasts longer than 4 hours
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Vomiting lasting more than 4 to 6 hours
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Sudden abdominal swelling or rapid heart rate
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Vaginal discharge that has increased in amount or smells bad
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Pain, swelling, or redness in the genital area
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Bleeding (not spotting) for longer than 2 weeks
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New, unexplained symptoms that may be caused by medicines used in your treatment
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No menstrual period within 6 weeks after the procedure
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Signs and symptoms of depression. Hormonal changes after a pregnancy can cause depression that requires treatment.
By law, a parental consent form is required for any surgery that takes place in a hospital. This means that if your guardian does not know about the procedure, they will not be present to sign off on a potentially life-saving surgery. In addition, let’s face it, this is a life-changing decision. It’s always good to talk something so impactful over with people who care about you whether that’s a guardian, a trusted teacher or relative.
Before you go in for an abortion, inform yourself; know your state’s laws, know the health risks of an abortion, know who to talk to about the decision and who to call if something goes wrong. Though whether or not to tell your parents is a difficult decision, your health and safety is always the most important thing to consider.
Guest post by Sarah R.
Brenda Goodnough, RN - April 21st, 2010
Since the year 2000 there has been an alternative to surgical abortion in the United States. Named for the French pharmaceutical company that created it, RU-486 it is often referred as the “abortion pill”. It has been used by over one million women in the United States since its approval here.
An RU-486 abortion is a procedure that involves two different drugs. The first drug ends the pregnancy by cutting off the blood supply to the developing fetus. The second drug, given 48 hours after the first, is used to expel it. A pregnancy is usually ended in most women within 48 hours, though in some instances it can take as long as two weeks.
There are several key factors to consider before considering this as an abortion option.
• This process needs close observation and frequently requires as many as three visits to your medical provider.
• RU-486 is only effective in early pregnancy, preferably at 7 weeks or before.
• The minimum failure rate is 8%, and a failed abortion requires a surgical procedure.
• The cost of using the “abortion pill” can be as much as twice the cost of a surgical abortion.
• Women with certain common medical conditions will not be eligible.
• Side effects of both medications can be severe and unpleasant.
• The major medical risks involved in this abortion method are excessive bleeding and infection.
• RU-486 is known to cause significant birth defects so your medical provider will not support your desire to change your mind once the first pill has been taken.
• There is active participation on the part of the woman in terminating her pregnancy.
Though it may initially appear that this form of abortion is quick and easy, it can actually be a more lengthy, costly, and difficult process.
Because the “abortion pill” must be used early in the pregnancy, there is no way to know whether a pregnancy is likely to continue. Since 1 in 6 pregnancies will naturally end in a miscarriage you may be committing yourself to an unnecessary procedure to end a pregnancy that may end on its own.
About 20% of women who use RU-486 to end their pregnancy will continue to have some degree of bleeding for 5-6 weeks after. Occasionally, surgical intervention is needed to stop or control excessive or prolonged bleeding.
Before committing to an RU-486 abortion, get all of the facts and weigh the costs of what may be bitter pills to swallow.
Brenda Goodnough, RN - February 10th, 2010
After a surgical or chemical abortion there are some basic things you can do to help in your recovery. You may feel physically fine after your procedure but you will need to take safety measures to ensure that you do not experience complications.
1. Drink plenty of fluids.
2. Limit activity for a few days.
3. Take the antibiotics given to you until they are gone.
4. No exercise for two weeks.
5. No swimming or tub baths for two weeks.
6. Don’t use anything vaginally for two weeks. (This includes sex, douching, or using tampons.)
7. Avoid heavy lifting, anything over 15 lbs, for two weeks.
8. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of infection:
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Fever over 100 degrees that does not respond to medication and lasts for more than a couple of hours.
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Bleeding that is heavier than a normal period with large clots and bright red blood.
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Severe cramping.
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Foul smelling discharge.
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Dizziness, fainting or nausea.
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Bleeding from IV site.
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Abdominal swelling or tenderness.
If you develop any of these symptoms, see your medical provider as soon as possible. If you cannot reach your physician do not hesitate to go to the nearest emergency room for evaluation.
It is very important that you are examined around two weeks after your abortion. If you find it difficult to return to the clinic where your procedure was performed, then seek medical attention elsewhere.
Once you have recovered physically there is still emotional healing that needs to take place. The “blues” are not uncommon after an abortion. Some women report feeling relieved after their procedure, but many do not. If you continue to experience emotional difficulties as time passes, you may want to seek help to deal with post abortion stress. There are several good programs that will help you deal with the feelings, such as Restore.
It is very important to allow yourself the time and care to heal from an abortion. This can be a period of physical and emotional upheaval. Being proactive in the healing process will pay off in restoring you in both areas more quickly and completely
