Are Late Term Abortions Ever Medically Necessary?
According to the Guttmaucher Institute, only 1% of abortions happen after 20 weeks of gestation. While that may not seem like a significant amount, that equates to about 10,000-15,000 pregnancies every year. Although they are far less common, late term abortions are important to talk about. They are extremely dangerous and expensive, significantly less effective and often performed because the woman feels like she has no other choice.
Why Do Late Term Abortions Happen?
While most articles would try to argue that late term abortions only happen in cases of medical necessity, that narrative has been proven to be entirely false. It has been reported that women are getting late term abortions for the same reasons why they would have gotten an earlier one. Most late term abortions occur on healthy women who are carrying healthy fetuses. In fact, only 2% of all late term abortions are performed because of fetal abnormalities. They are elective and often performed on younger unemployed women more so than earlier abortions are.
Why “medically necessary” is hard to measure
In most states, the term “medically necessary” has been added as a contingency to abortion bans. However, this phrase has never had one clear definition and as a result, pretty much anything can be considered as medically necessary. Some states have tried somewhat to define this phrase, such as California, a state that has banned abortion past the age of viability unless the women’s “life or health is at risk” in where “health” is both physical and physiological health. William Hamilton, while he was vice president of the Planned Parenthood Federation, said that “medically necessary" means anything a doctor and a woman construed to be in her best interest, whether prenatal care or abortion."
Finding exact data and statistics on what physicians are classifying as “medically necessary” is difficult and confusing. To add to the confusion, 4 states do not report any data on abortions, but those states account for at least 20% of all abortions nationwide. NIH wrote an article that petitioned for the phrase “medically necessary” to be defined and concrete. Under a definitive, universal definition, medically necessary late term abortions would be easier to report and study.
Failed Late Term Abortions
Abortions, if they are performed in the second or third trimester, carry the potential of being considered “incomplete” or “failed.” These labels can refer to either the fetus has died but there is still tissue inside of the woman, or that the abortion failed at ending the life of the fetus. In 2023, Michigan reported that failed abortions are the highest complication associated with an abortion – amounting to nearly half of all abortion related complications. Michigan has reported that the amount of failed abortions has risen in the past years to become increasingly more common.
In some cases, the abortion provider performs the abortion and the fetus is born alive and well. In the state of Minnesota, abortion providers are required to report abortion data. In 2021, 1,621 abortions were performed in the second trimester, and 1 was performed in the third trimester. 5 of these infants were born alive. Of these 5 infants, none of them received life saving care and subsequently died.
Health risks of late term abortion
Abortions performed in the second or third trimester are considerably more dangerous than those performed earlier. While some sources downplay the risks of late term abortions, it is important to be aware that it is known that the further along the pregnancy, the riskier the abortion – so thus it is fair to conclude that late term abortions are riskier. Every abortion carries some type of risk (as is true with all medical procedures) but late term abortions specifically carry the following risks:
- 50% chance of adverse complications (compared to about 11% in the first trimester)
- Blot clots the size of lemons
- Uterine laceration
- Infection
It’s not just the physical effects to be aware of. Late term abortions can cause serious trauma and leave women affected mentally. 12-20% of post abortive women meet all the criteria for PTSD and many women report disturbing dreams, suicidal thoughts, depression and substance abuse.
Is There an Alternative to Late Term Abortions?
It is important to note that the American Medical Association has reported that a late term abortion is generally not necessary to save the life of the mother. Maternal health factors can all be accommodated without sacrificing the fetus. This is done by prematurely delivering the child, thus ending the pregnancy. An induced labor and delivery late in the pregnancy is possible and often results in the safe delivery of the baby. In the event that the parent does not want the child, she can legally hand over her parental rights to the state without penalty.
If you have been told that a late term abortion is your only option, or if you feel pressured into one by a partner, family member or medical professional, schedule an appointment with Care Net Milwaukee. We can provide you with referrals for physicians who can give you more options.
Pregnancy Support at Care Net Milwaukee
Our team at Care Net Milwaukee is here to answer your questions and give you the facts you need. We provide accurate medical information, free pregnancy testing, ultrasound exams and other resources and referrals to help empower you in your pregnancy journey. You are welcome to share your concerns and explore your options in a safe, supportive setting.
We understand that this is a deeply personal decision, and you deserve clear facts and support.