Family Life Education II: Abortion – JSS3 Basic Science Lesson Note (Third Term)

Abortion is the deliberate termination of a human pregnancy by removing the embryo or fetus before it can survive outside the uterus.

What are the key terms in this topic?

• Pregnancy: the period when a baby develops inside the uterus (womb) of a woman.
• Embryo: the baby in the earliest weeks of development in the uterus.
• Fetus: the developing baby in the later stage of pregnancy.
• Uterus: the organ in a woman where the baby grows before birth.
• Miscarriage: the natural loss of a pregnancy before the baby can survive outside the uterus.
• Unsafe abortion: an abortion carried out by an untrained person or in unclean conditions.

Behavioural objectives

1. Define abortion.
2. State the two types of abortion.
3. List reasons why abortion is carried out.
4. Describe the consequences of unsafe abortion.
5. State ways of preventing abortion.
6. Explain why a person should seek counselling over unwanted pregnancy.

What are the types of abortion?

There are two types of abortion: induced abortion and spontaneous abortion.

Induced abortion

• Meaning: the intentional decision of a woman to end a pregnancy through surgery or by taking medicine.
• Cause: a deliberate act, not something that happens by itself.
• Risk: it becomes dangerous when done by untrained persons or with unsterilised instruments.

Spontaneous abortion (miscarriage)

• Meaning: an abortion that happens naturally on its own, without induction.
• Common signs: vaginal bleeding and cramps in the lower abdomen.
• Action: the woman should go to a hospital or clinic at once.

How do induced and spontaneous abortion differ?

What are the reasons for abortion?

People give many reasons for ending a pregnancy, and each one can be solved in a safer way.

1. Failure of birth control: a contraceptive did not work.
2. Inability to care for a child: the parent cannot support the child.
3. Unwanted pregnancy: the pregnancy came at the wrong time or was not planned.
4. Birth defect: to prevent the birth of a child with a birth defect.
5. Rape or incest: the pregnancy developed from rape or from sex between close relatives.
6. Health problems: conditions that may endanger the life of the woman.
7. Fear: fear of expulsion from school or fear of parents.

What are the consequences of unsafe abortion?

Unsafe abortion can damage the health of a woman and can cause death.

1. Incomplete abortion: may lead to haemorrhage (heavy bleeding), cramps, pain in the pelvis and protracted bleeding for more than 3 weeks.
2. Infection: may arise from the use of unsterilised instruments.
3. Perforation of the uterus: a hole may be made in the wall of the uterus.
4. Secondary sterility: the woman may be unable to become pregnant again later.
5. Guilt and shame: the woman may suffer emotional pain.
6. Frequent miscarriages and premature birth: may affect later pregnancies.
7. Physical trauma: pain and injury may occur before and after the abortion.

How can abortion be prevented?

Abortion is prevented mainly by avoiding unwanted pregnancy.

1. Proper sex education: teaches young people the facts about sex, pregnancy and its risks.
2. Abstinence: refusing to have sex until a person is mature and ready, which is the surest way to avoid pregnancy.
3. Pregnancy prevention plan (PPP): a planned way of avoiding pregnancy.
4. Use of condoms: a barrier that helps to prevent pregnancy during sex.
5. Sterilisation: a medical method that prevents the user from getting pregnant.
6. Guidance from parents and teachers: helps young people to resist bad peer pressure.

Why should a person seek counselling over unwanted pregnancy?

Counselling is advice and support from a trained person that helps someone to deal with a problem.

• Meaning of seeking assistance: getting support or relief to make the situation bearable.

What are the benefits of counselling?

1. It makes it easier to cope with the problem.
2. It gives a solution to the problem.
3. It gives an idea of where to get additional help when it is needed.
4. It relieves emotional trauma.
5. It can also improve quality of life.

Who can give help and advice?

• Parents or guardians: trusted adults at home.
• School counsellor or teacher: a trained adult in school.
• Doctor or nurse: a health worker at a hospital or clinic.
• Religious leader: a trusted adult in the church or mosque.

Evaluation

1. Define abortion.
2. Explain the difference between induced abortion and spontaneous abortion.
3. List four consequences of unsafe abortion.
4. State three benefits of seeking counselling over unwanted pregnancy.

Assignment

Answer these questions in your notebook.

1. Abortion can be controlled in the following ways except: A. abstinence B. sex education C. unprotected sex D. condoms
2. When abortion happens on its own, it is called: A. spontaneous abortion B. induced abortion C. common abortion D. delicate abortion
3. State four major reasons for abortion.
4. Enumerate four ways of preventing abortion.