| 1 | 
Safe months? | Till what month is abortion safe or legal?
- Abortion of a child just because its a baby girl... is highly deplorable, illegal and must not be done.
- Otherwise medically, abortion is considered safe within first 2.5 months of pregnancy.
- Abortion should only be performed in exceptional cases when there is a threat to mother's life.
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| 2 | 
Ways of abortion | What are various abortion ways? Abortion may happen in any of the following ways:
- Induced abortion (Intentional abortion of undeveloped embryo/ foetus) can be done in 2 ways:
a) Non Surgical medical abortion is termination of pregnancy through combination of PILLS.
b) Surgical abortion is termination of pregnancy surgically by removing embryo/ foetus from uterus.
- Spontaneous abortion due to accidental suffering/natural causes. Also called 'unintentional miscarriage'.
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| 3 | 
Surgical or Non-Surgical? | Which method is better? Surgical abortion or Non-Surgical abortion?
- Both surgical and non-surgical methods of abortion are reasonably safe and effective.
- Non-surgical abortion:
a) Usually leads to heavy & painful bleeding which may last from 10-14 days.
b) Non surgical abortion requires at least 2 sittings (pill dosages).
- Surgical abortion:
a) Pain and bleeding is comparatively less in surgical abortion which is up to 5 days.
b) Patient is discharged within 3-4 hrs in case of surgical abortion.
- The woman should take a decision considering her preference, lifestyle and comfort level.
- Do not take any medication/ pill without consulting your gynae for non-surgical abortion.
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| 4 | 
Risks and After Effects | What are some risks or 'after effects' after an abortion?
- Incomplete abortion: Part(s) of foetus/baby may be left inside uterus which may lead to cramping or infection.
- Surgical instrument injury: Improper surgical instrument usage may lead to perforation- injury to uterus/cervix. This may lead to weakness or scar tissue formation.
- Irregular menstrual cycle: Infection after abortion may lead to irregular or prolonged menstrual cycle.
- Inflammation: Chances of pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Haemorrhaging: Excessive discharge of blood, abnormal bleeding or uterine rupture.
- Conceiving inability: Risk of not getting pregnant in future rises in case of complication like uterus perforation.
- Emotional: Not a good experience. May lead to unexpected guilt, emotional distress and sexual dysfunction.
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| 5 | 
Resuming Work | When can one go to work after having an abortion?
- One may be able to resume work within a couple of days but rest is recommended for at least a week.
- End of pregnancy usually leads to physical toll on most of the women.
- It is advisable to take off for few days if your job is 'physically' demanding.
- Women may experience heavy pain and bleeding in case of non-surgical abortion.
- Follow the advice of your doctor as recovery time also varies from person to person.
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| 6 | 
Secrecy | If I don't tell, will anyone be able to find out that I had an abortion?
- Until you have a medical check-up with a gynecologist, no one can make out about your abortion.
- According to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Law in India, an abortion/health care provider should not disclose your health/abortion information to anybody else without your permission.
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| 7 | 
Precautions | What precautions should be taken after an abortion?
- Avoid bending, lifting weight, strenuous exercise & stretching muscles for at least 10 to 15 days.
- Avoid eating & drinking dairy products (as it dilutes the effect of Doxycycline given during abortion).
- Avoid sitting in a bath tub, swimming and also refrain from doing intercourse until bleeding stops.
- Do not skip any medication/antibiotics to prevent infection as recommended by certified doctor.
- In future, be careful and have safe sex. Go for contraceptive methods (pills, condom) to avoid unplanned pregnancy and hence abortion. For family planning / birth control options: Click here
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| 8 | 
Permission | Do I need my parents consent, if I am below 18 yrs?
- Yes. As per Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971- permission in writing is required from parent or guardian, in case you are below 18 years and want to opt for abortion.
- Any person who wilfully fails to comply with the requirements may be liable to be punished with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees.
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| 9 | 
Miscarriage Reasons? | What are some reasons for spontaneous abortion (Miscarriage)?
- Chromosomal abnormality: Sometimes, miscarriage happens due to abnormal development of embryo/baby.
- Diseases/complications during pregnancy: Diabetes, Thyroid or High Blood Pressure may be a cause.
- Exposure: Prolonged exposure to radiation, environmental pollutants or toxins.
- Lifestyle: Severe physical stress, smoking or alcohol abuse are known to contribute towards miscarriage.
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| 10 | 
Miscarriage? | How to avoid a miscarriage / spontaneous abortion?
- Avoid jerks. Do not lift heavy items. Eat healthy food and drink plenty of water.
- Get adequate rest, sleep for 8 hours each night and avoid stress.
- Stay away from alcohol, cigarette smoke, pesticides and paints fumes.
- Avoid harmful radiations from microwaves also which may lead to termination of pregnancy.
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| 11 | 
Insurance claim | Will insurance pay for an abortion?
- No. Insurance schemes for abortion are almost non- existent in India.
- You will have to bear all the expenses yourself without any reimbursement.
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