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About Doctor Joan
Expertise
I can answer medical questions related to ending early pregnancy (up to 12 weeks). I have expertise in the abortion pill (RU486), the Aspiration Procedure (Manual Vacuum Aspiration) and surgical abortion. I can help you to understand the procedures, what to expect, possible complications.

Experience
I am a family doctor who is an expert in early abortion care. I have provided abortions for over 12 years.

Organizations
National Abortion Federation American Association of Family Physicians

Education/Credentials
Harvard Medical School

You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Women's Health > Abortion - Pro Choice Views > Abortion

Topic: Abortion - Pro Choice Views

Expert: Doctor Joan
Date: 11/25/2007
Subject: Abortion

Question
Hi. Is it true that women who have abortions are committing murder? That the fetus has a hearbeat, and can feel pain? I am thinking of getting an abortion, but my boyfriend is trying to make me feel guilty. He caleld me a "selfish whore" and a "murderer" which really angered and hurt me. I am thinking of breaking up with him. The truth is though, that it did bother me. I don't want to kill a human being, but is a fetus a human being? THank you.

Miranda

Answer
Hi Miranda,
There are many misconceptions about early pregnancy. There is no visible embryo until you are between 9-10 weeks pregnant. On ultrasound, the cells that later form the heart begin to beat - long before a heart develops - at about 7 weeks of pregnancy. You may find reading earlyabortion.com helpful. Abortion is a legal medical service; and not murder. Murder is a criminal act.
Good luck with your decision.
Doctor Joan

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