Orladis Chávez, Integral General Medicine Specialist. Photo Adian Acevedo
A reality in our country, and of course in the Ariguanabo, is the use of abortion as a contraceptive method or pregnancy termination. Health authorities warn about the risks of abortion, which in many cases has irreversible consequences. On the subject, Integral General Medicine Specialist, Orladis Chávez offers his impressions.
What is abortion?
Abortion is the interruption of pregnancy. This medical procedure is carried out in two ways. The induced abortion (by decision of the pregnant woman), it can be pharmacological (pills) or surgical. Miscarriage occurs in pregnant women with less than 22 weeks of gestation and is related to congenital diseases, systemic diseases of the mother, infections, among others.
Why do some young women resort to abortion to interrupt their pregnancy?
Many young women resort to induced abortion because they are unwanted pregnancies; it usually occurs in adolescents, because they are not supported by the couple or the family. In addition, many of them have unfavorable socioeconomic situations.
How does abortion influence the physical and mental health of women?
When pregnancy begins, the woman has to be aware of the existence of two solutions: abortion or having the baby. In many cases, abortion is conditioned by women or couples who did not want to have children at that time. Abortion affects the physical health of women; for example: sepsis, hemorrhages, perforation of the uterus and infertility. On the other hand, according to the way it is handled, so will be the psychological consequences it brings.
Many couples adopt abortion as a contraceptive method. Do you think that interruptions occur because couples do not protect themselves?
Many couples do not protect themselves, so the unwanted pregnancy occurs. This situation must be resolved by the couple; the responsibility lies on both parents, although the woman is the one who faces the biological risk. Hence the importance of family planning. They can also attend the Counseling Consultations to learn about different contraceptive methods that can be applied.
What do you think about abortion? Any recommendations for those women who interrupt pregnancy?
I consider that this medical procedure should only be carried out when pregnancy threatens the mother's life (therapeutic abortion). I recommend maintaining an appropriate sex life, avoiding promiscuity, using appropriate contraceptive methods and carrying out a correct pregnancy planning.