An abortion is defined as the termination of an unwanted pregnancy or one that poses a risk to the mother. In Austria, abortion is not a criminal offense under certain conditions. Specifically, the abortion must be performed by the 14th week of gestation (12 weeks after fertilization—14 weeks after the first day of the last menstrual period), and counseling must have taken place beforehand (time-limit provision). At a later stage, the termination is only legal if, for example, it is determined that the child would be born with a severe disability or that the mother’s health or life would be at risk if the pregnancy were to continue.
Methods that result in termination of pregnancy
On the one hand, there are surgical methods. One is dilation and curettage (D&C), in which the gestational sac containing the embryo, along with the uterine lining, is removed. On the other hand, abortion can be performed using the suction method (the most common type of abortion). In this case, after local or general anesthesia, the gestational sac containing the embryo and the uterine lining is suctioned out. The potential complications associated with this method are considered relatively low.
Medical Abortion
On the other hand, the termination can be initiated with medication. Since 1999, pregnancy can be terminated using the abortion pill Mifegyne. This pill contains the active ingredient mifepristone, which counteracts progesterone—the hormone necessary for pregnancy—and thus terminates the pregnancy. This method is considered a gentler alternative to surgical methods. However, the use of this abortion pill is subject to certain conditions:
- The product may only be used up to the 63rd day (9th week of pregnancy) after the first day of the last menstrual period (throughout the EU).
- It should be certain that the abortion is wanted.
- An ectopic pregnancy must be ruled out because Mifegyne is not effective in cases of ectopic pregnancy. In early pregnancy, it is sometimes difficult to rule out an ectopic pregnancy with certainty.
- An ultrasound and a pregnancy hormone test must be available.
A follow-up examination is absolutely necessary, as this abortion pill is not 100% effective. Terminating a pregnancy can lead to complications, and psychological consequences may also arise. In-depth counseling and, if necessary, professional follow-up care are therefore not only recommended but absolutely essential.
