Unplanned pregnancies, particularly among the youth, have become increasingly common due to the prevalence of pre-marital sex and a lack of proper knowledge about contraception and reproductive health. For some, especially those unprepared for parenthood, abortion becomes a considered option. However, abortion is a controversial topic, both legally and ethically, and its legality varies widely depending on the country.
In the Philippines, abortion is strictly prohibited by law and is considered a criminal offense equivalent to taking a life. It is also strongly opposed by the church and viewed as an unacceptable practice in Filipino society. Because of these restrictions, individuals often resort to unsafe methods, including the use of certain medications, to induce miscarriage. These methods, when done without proper medical supervision, pose significant risks to the mother’s health.
Below are some of the medications commonly used as abortifacients:
- Misoprostol (Cytotec). Originally intended to prevent stomach ulcers and reduce stomach bleeding, misoprostol is often misused to induce abortion. In some countries, it is legally used in combination with mifepristone for medical abortions performed under medical supervision.
- Carboprost (Hemabate). Carboprost is typically used in hospitals to induce uterine contractions and terminate pregnancies. Administered via injection, it causes strong uterine muscle contractions that expel the fetus.
- Dinoprostone (Prepidil). This medication is generally prescribed to assist in cervical dilation during labor. However, it is sometimes misused to induce labor prematurely, leading to an artificial abortion.
- Mifepristone (Mifeprex). Mifepristone is an FDA-approved medication used in the first 49 days of pregnancy for medical abortion. It works by blocking the hormones needed to sustain a pregnancy, leading to its termination. Additionally, it may be prescribed for managing hyperglycemia in individuals with Cushing’s syndrome.
- Oxytocin (Pitocin). Oxytocin is a natural hormone that aids in labor and controls postpartum bleeding. However, it can induce miscarriage when administered without medical supervision, making its unsupervised use extremely dangerous.
Risks of Using Abortifacient Medications Without Medical Guidance
The unsupervised use of these medications can result in severe complications, including excessive bleeding, uterine damage, infection, and even death. It is crucial to emphasize that such practices are not only illegal in the Philippines but also pose significant health risks. For women facing unplanned pregnancies, seeking counseling or exploring legal and ethical alternatives is strongly recommended.
Abortion remains a sensitive and divisive issue. While it is legal and safely performed in some countries under specific conditions, the risks associated with unsafe abortion practices underscore the need for comprehensive reproductive health education and access to contraception.
