Summary:
The sophomore presentation builds on the freshman presentation by introducing to the students how abortions are performed. This is not meant as a "scare" tactic; rather to give honest, factual information about a procedure that has been effectively glossed over by the pro-choice movement as a safe, simple procedure. While the subject matter is inherently "violent" in nature, it gives the presenter an opportunity to show the true, compassionate nature of the pro-life movement to both baby and mother.
Review the highlights of the middle school/freshman presentation.
- Life begins at conception; the beauty of human development
For what reasons are abortions done in the US today? 93 are done for elective, non-medical reasons (does not fit my lifestyle, too young, family pressure).
- Less than 2 are done to end pregnancy due to rape or incest.
- The remainder deal with maternal health and fetal abnormalities; the ultimate discrimination against persons with disabilities
- Opportunity to discuss the "hard" cases : rape and incest
Surgical Methods of Abortion
- Suction Aspiration or Vacuum Curettage - discuss what dilation means; used in 90 of first trimester abortions; first trimester method
- Dilation and Curettage - done before 12 weeks
- Dilation and Evacuation - used up to 24 weeks; traumatic dismemberment
Chemical Methods of Abortion
- RU486 - the perception of an "easier" method -a combination of pills; 2 powerful hormones mifepristone and misoprostal; 3 trips to office; uncertain outcomes for different women, heavy bleeding, etc., may require surgical abort
- Methotrexate - originally a cancer drug used to attack tumors it attacks the fast growing cells of the new life's support mechanism, the placenta
Partial Birth Abortion
- Late term abortion method in which the baby is partially delivered outside the women's body; catheter inserted at base of skull and brain matter evacuated
- Discuss the legislative battle to end this practice (est. 2800-4000/yr.) begun in the Clinton administration and successfully banned in Nov. 2003
After effects of abortion are both physical and emotional.
- Post Abortion Syndrome - regret, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem; Clinically classified now
- Physical - higher incidence of miscarriage after abortion
