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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Abortion and Miscarriage?

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The main difference between abortion and miscarriage lies in the reasons behind the termination of the pregnancy.

Abortion:

  • Is a medical or surgical procedure to end a pregnancy.
  • Can be performed up to 24 weeks in the UK, with most abortions taking place before 13 weeks.
  • Reasons for abortion can include protecting the woman's life or health, or concerns about the impact on emotional, social, family, or financial well-being.

Miscarriage:

  • Refers to the spontaneous loss of a fetus before the 20th week of pregnancy.
  • Is a naturally occurring event.
  • Causes of miscarriage include chromosomal abnormalities, maternal anatomical abnormalities, trauma, and certain medical conditions.

In some cases, miscarriages are referred to as "spontaneous abortions" because the effects are similar, and the abortion pill works by triggering the same processes that occur during a miscarriage. Despite the similarities, every experience is unique, and the emotional and physical impact can vary greatly between individuals.

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  • What is the Difference Between Abortion and Miscarriage?
  • Comparative Table: Abortion vs Miscarriage

    • Comparative Table: Abortion vs Miscarriage

    Here is a table highlighting the differences between abortion and miscarriage:

    Feature Abortion Miscarriage
    Definition A medical or surgical procedure to end a pregnancy The spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks
    Purpose Intentional termination of a pregnancy Unintentional and unexpected loss of a pregnancy
    Occurrence Usually performed before 13 weeks, but legal up to 24 weeks in the UK Occurs in 15 to 20 percent of all pregnancies, most commonly during the first trimester
    Reasons Women have abortions for various reasons, such as protecting their life or health, or concerns about emotional, social, family, or financial wellbeing Miscarriages can happen for various reasons, such as injuries or pregnancy complications, but in most cases, a specific cause isn't identifiable
    Types Abortion can be induced using medication or through a minor surgical procedure Miscarriages can be classified as complete, incomplete, missed, or threatened, depending on the stage of pregnancy and symptoms
    Effects on the body The abortion pill works by triggering the same processes that occur during a miscarriage, but the experience may vary depending on the individual The effects on the body and the emotional impact can be similar to abortion, but every experience is unique and can be very personal
    Management Medical providers often refer to miscarriages as spontaneous abortions or by its subcategories, including missed, incomplete, and threatened abortions Miscarriages can be managed through various treatments depending on the type and stage of the pregnancy

    Please note that the terms "abortion" and "miscarriage" are distinct and should not be conflated. Abortion refers to the intentional termination of a pregnancy, while miscarriage refers to the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.