An unplanned pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs without planning by a parent or the couple. Most couples after marriage want to have children. The requirements are personal, therefore proper planning is needed.
are some of the issues that need to be considered. Thus with proper planning, a couple can have a healthy happy baby and maintain a good relationship within the family.
When a woman gets pregnant without proper planning she may face various unpleasant consequences including abortion.
Risk of an unwanted pregnancy needs to be kept in mind.
It is always better to be safe in order to avoid facing any of the above mentioned situations.
What is an abortion?
An abortion is the expulsion or removal of a fetus (small baby in the womb) before it is viable, which in developed countries is considered to be 20 weeks (5 months).
In Sri Lanka, viability is considered as 28 weeks – legally.
This can occur either spontaneously (occurring on its own) or artificially (terminated on purpose). A spontaneous abortion can be due to a known cause or without a cause. The products of conception can be expelled completely or incompletely.
As abortions are illegal in Sri Lanka most induced abortions are done in unsafe conditions by unskilled providers.
Incidence in Sri Lanka
An abortion is only within the law of the country if it is performed to save the mother’s life (if carrying the baby to term and delivery is a threat to the mother’s life).
Confirmation by two Consultant Obstetricians & Gynecologists is needed stating that there is a threat to the mother’s life before a legal abortion can be permitted. (Chapter 343, Penal Code Section 303 of the Criminal Law of 1833)
While it is illegal, it is also a criminal offense under the Penal Code of Sri Lanka.Violation of which can result in both the woman and the abortionist being tried in the courts and sent to prison if found guilty.
The effects of the abortion could be physical, psychological or social.
Physical:
Immediate complications:
Late complications:
Pychological effects on mother & family
Post Abortion Care:
Is the physical and psychological care and support given after an abortion to the woman and the family irrespective of whether the abortion was spontaneous or induced.
It is estimated that 1 in 8 pregnancy related deaths occur due to complications following an abortion. These deaths could have been prevented if basic care is given at the right time & right place at an affordable price.
Immediate complications:
Late complications:
Pychological effects on mother & family
Post Abortion Care:
Is the physical and psychological care and support given after an abortion to the woman and the family irrespective of whether the abortion was spontaneous or induced.
It is estimated that 1 in 8 pregnancy related deaths occur due to complications following an abortion. These deaths could have been prevented if basic care is given at the right time & right place at an affordable price.
When to seek medical help?
If you have any of the following go to a hospital;
What the couple can do;
What the health care provider/ system can do;