Despite these legal and social challenges, there are significant medical reasons why an abortion might be necessary.
Understanding these reasons can help in advocating for better healthcare policies and services for women.
Below are 5 medical reasons for abortion:
1. Ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, commonly in the fallopian tube. This condition is life-threatening as the growing embryo can cause the tube to rupture, leading to severe internal bleeding. Ectopic pregnancies are not viable, and immediate medical intervention, which often involves termination of the pregnancy, is necessary to save the woman’s life.
2. Severe preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a condition characterised by high blood pressure and damage to other organs, often the kidneys, during pregnancy. Severe preeclampsia can be life-threatening and may lead to complications such as seizures, stroke, and organ failure.
When preeclampsia is diagnosed early in pregnancy, the safest option may be to terminate the pregnancy to protect the mother’s health.
3. Severe fetal anomalies
Certain fetal anomalies are incompatible with life outside the womb. Conditions like anencephaly (where a major portion of the brain and skull are missing) result in the fetus being unable to survive long after birth. In such cases, continuing the pregnancy can pose emotional and physical risks to the mother. Termination of pregnancy is often considered to prevent these outcomes.
4. Maternal health conditions
Chronic health conditions such as severe kidney disease, heart disease, or cancer can be worsened by pregnancy. In situations where continuing the pregnancy poses a high risk to the mother’s health or hinders necessary treatment for her condition, an abortion might be medically recommended. This ensures that the woman can receive the appropriate treatment for her existing health issues.
5. Intrauterine infection
Intrauterine infections, such as chorioamnionitis, occur when bacteria infect the membranes surrounding the fetus and the amniotic fluid. These infections can lead to severe complications, including sepsis, which can be fatal for both the mother and the fetus. In such cases, terminating the pregnancy is necessary to clear the infection and save the mother’s life.
Abortion remains a contentious issue in South Africa due to legal and societal constraints. However, there are undeniable medical situations where abortion is not just necessary but lifesaving.
