B. Interruption of pregnancy (abortion)
1. Voluntary interruption of pregnancy
a. indications medical - physical, mental reasons; called “therapeutic”
b. indications nonmedical - personal reasons; called “voluntary” or “elective”
2. Methods
a. first trimester - menstrual extraction, dilation and currettage (D&C), suction or vacuum aspiration, Mifepristone
b. second trimester - dilation and evacuation (D&E), saline injection, prostaglandins
3. Possible complications
a. most common: infection, retained products of conception or intrauterine blood clots, continuing pregnancy, cervical or uterine trauma, and excessive bleeding
b. D&C: may perforate uterus
c. suction or vacuum: may invert uterus
d. saline injection: fluid and electrolyte imbalance and cardiac arrhythmias
4. Legal
a. refer to laws regarding abortion in state of practice
C. Sterilization
1. Surgical procedures intended to render the person infertile
2. Most states ban sterilizing minors or mentally incompetent persons
3. Methods
a. male: vasectomy
b. female: removal of ovaries or uterus, tubal ligation
4. Informed consent must include:
a. explanation of risks, benefits, and alternatives
b. description that sterilization is permanent and irreversible
c. mandatory 30 day waiting period
d. wording in person’s native language or interpreter must be provided
