jpafmat

Journal of Punjab Academy of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology

0972-56870974-083X

Punjab Academy of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology

jpafmat-2006-6-015

Short Communication

Complications of Abortion

162006

200664747

2006

IndianJournals.com

The common understanding that surgical abortions in the first trimester of pregnancy are safe is not quite correct.

The gouging of the uterine wall and the resulting growth of scar tissue that often takes place after surgical abortion makes the womb that much the less hospitable for a woman's subsequent child. Accordingly, there is a tendency for a subsequent premature birth following first-trimester abortions. (Cervical and uterine anomalies are other risk factors for premature birth).

A women undergoing abortion must be informed that premature birth is associated with cerebral palsy for children and breast cancer for mothers. Abortion's connection to premature birth is not surprising since a violent interruption of a natural reproductive process is likely to harm the reproductive system.

It is also very likely that the abortion of a woman's first child makes her more susceptible to breast cancer. Breast tissue is only matured from cancer-susceptible tissue into cancer resistant tissue during the last eight weeks of a full-term pregnancy. During this time, women receive protection from oestrogen overexposure experienced during the first two trimesters of pregnancy.

Dr. C.K.ParikhUSA