Expert: Shan Yi Sheng - 11/14/2007

Question
QUESTION: I read your two answers about medical abortion. I was surprised to see that you do not recommend this. What do you say when a lady wants to have an abortion but not sure which method to use? Also, what if a woman does not really know if she wants an abortion at all or a man is forcing her. What would you say?

ANSWER: Hi dear Carie,
you 'r right. I NEVER recommend those pills. One exception: in backward  (eg moslim-) countries where women still do not have the right to decide over their own life and body, usually abortion is forbidden. So a succioncurettage is not available there and these pill are sold in the "black" market. Too expensive of course.
In the US - by the way - they are also far too expensive. The distributor sees non point in exploiting the needs and sufferings of women and buys them for $ 1  in China and markets them in th US for $ 50 + .
Now that pill  (mifepriston, or RU 486) disturbs a pregnancy in 19 out of 20 cases. So 5 in 100 women stay pregnant after the use of them. These 5 % are not warned instantly that the pil did not work as ALL of the users get a more or less heavy bleeding.
Then my other reasons for hating this pills is the waiting period. In some cases the bleeding comes within a few hours and indeed the embryo is expelled and everything 's OK.
BUT many women have to wait DAYS before the fetus is expelled and bleed and do not know what to do. Than thirdly, the bleeding in 1 in 1500 cases is so heavy that the life of the women is endangered and blood transfusion is needed. Now 1 in 1500 is not so often and less important if this i is not YOU.
A curettage take a few minutes only and in skilled hands is easy and reliable.

Now after this (too) long story your first question seems to be answered (;-)

Now if the women does not know what she wants, my advise is: do not do anything. (old medical rule:" In dubio abstine").
And if there is a man forcing you: leave that man and  go to the police.
Hope this answers your questions.
bests, dr Shan

You might as well rate this answer



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your answer. The information is helpful. But I don't think the police would do anything about a man forcing his wife to have an abortion. It happened to a friend of mine. Also, there are subtle pressures such as threats to leave, cutoff resources or home, etc. A friend of mine didn't know any options and so had an abortion but are there any other resources out there if you're not sure you want to have an abortion?

Answer
difficult, difficult....Why would the police do nothing ? If he man threatens to kill you....would they let him ?
Now tell the police that he wants you to kill your baby.....I should think this brings them to action !
But any way, the difficult choice is obvious; you have to choose between the baby and your man. It happens more often, but it is one of the most difficult choices in your life. Ask advice from your family, and best friends...but its you who decides. only you.
I am very sorry not being able to do more for you....
dr Shan