title: Voluntary termination of pregnancy.
abstract: Multiple factors are involved in the decision to terminate an unplanned pregnancy. Gestational age is the most important factor affecting the risk of abortion; after six weeks gestation, the earlier the abortion is performed, the safer. Currently, 90% to 95% of abortions occur within 12 weeks of gestation. However, abortion availability and accessibility remain a problem. A discussion of abortion incidence, procedures, complications, and pre- and postabortal evaluation is presented. Implications for the nurse practitioner are reviewed.
mesh_terms: D000023:Abortion Applicants / Q000523:psychology; D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations / Q000175:diagnosis; D025063:Chromosome Disorders; D003267:Contraception; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D010808:Physical Examination; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence; D012742:Sex Offenses; D014481:United States