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We know this is a stressful time, we hope that our resources are able to bring some comfort in this unstable time. We are experiencing this together!
Maternal/ Fetal Medicine view on Abortion:
Maternal/ Fetal Medicine view on Abortion:
Maternal Medicine is updating all the time, but the spread of knowledge has a dependency on their ability to practice what they are learning. Maternal health providers are typically OBGYN-MDs, OB Nurses, Midwives, Doulas, and other possible caregivers. When talking to any physician centering your consent to any and all interventions should be the focus of conversation. Having a plethora of knowledge when going to the birthing process is vitally important, we should encourage all people who can get pregnant to learn about pregnancy during their adulthood.
Currently in several states in America where providing any kinds of diagnoses, or treating pregnancy-related conditions, can possibly have consequences of arrest, fines, and jail time. Which has caused many of the maternal physicians and care givers to move their practices to other safer states. This has also resulted in the creation of maternal healthcare deserts, which increases the likelihood of birth complications and maternal mortality.
AFAB: Assigned Female At Birth, this is a term that is includes the majority of women who identify as cisgender women, transgender men, and non-binary folks, who are effected by the ownership of a 'traditionally' female body at birth. Traditional reproductive organs including but not limited to: Vagina, Cervix, Uterus, Ovaries, etc.
AMAB: Assigned Male At Birth, this is a term that includes the majority of men who identify as cisgender men, transgender women, and non-binary folks, who are effected by the ownership of a traditionally male body at birth. Genitalia including but not limited to: Prostate, Penis, Testes, Vas deferens, etc.
Intersex: There are also individuals who are intersex- and have a mixture of traditional sex characteristics; a percent of the population are born this way and some never find out. Intersex individuals have the right to live in their bodies however, and in whatever identity that they feel is right. As we briefly mentioned, many people have a slight variation and never find out they are intersex, due to the standard of assigning people to an oversimplified binary when deciding someone's sex based on developing body parts.
A Menstrual Cycle can also be known as a "Period", "Mother Nature", "Aunt Flow", all of which refers to the bleeding caused by cramping of the uterus through the vaginal opening for 5-7 days. This cycle happens once a month (or 26-36 days) after their first cycle begins. The Menstrual Cycle can happen as early as 7-8 years of age, the average beginning at age 10-13 years of age. However, if your Menstrual Cycle has not shown up by around the age of 15, make sure to check with your doctor to see if you need any extra medical care from an OBGYN or other Medical Professionals. This is the number one reason why discussing Menstrual Cycles at a young age with both young girls and young boys. It's important for us to do a service to our next generational by not hiding the reality of human anatomy. Teaching about menstration and the menopausal process to all young people is important for us to understand the proper ways of having public conversations about menstrual cycles. We say that teaching your child about autonomy, body part identification, and menstrual cycle knowlegde is important starting around ages 5&6. Children know more than you think and it's our job to give them the tools not to get in danger. While it will never be most children, there will always be some who start their menstrual cycles really early (like 7-8 yrs).
*We also want to mention how abortion laws have been protecting abusers and rapists who are close to young victims, by not allowing for abortions, increasing complications to childhood pregnancy, and traumatizing young children.*
Menstrual Cycles can cause unnecessary pain via cramping, headaches & migraines, nausea, bowel issues, and cyst & scare tissue formation with conditions like Endometriosis and Poly-Cystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). When we discuss time off from work, and making equal environments we often discount the menstrual cycles that people experience that may cause them to be unable to work the same.
People who experience menstrual cycles are often referred to as women, but it is also important for us to discuss the trans-men and nonbinary people in the menstruating group. Not everyone wants to be referring to their menstrual cycle as something that is specifically feminine, while others may attach womanhood with their menstrual cycle. All of those identities and feelings are positive, but we have to make room for all of them to exist together.
It's also very important to think about the burden of purchasing menstrual products to manage periods symptoms such as pads, tampons, menstrual cups, period underwear, reusable pads, etc. There are companies that have worked to remove harmful carcinogens such as chlorine, bleach, and the reduction of single use plastics. These menstrual products can also cause toxic shock if there is over exposure to the components of the products. Make sure to research the kind of products you plan to use to an extent. The PINK TAX is real and you can try to avoid it by buying straight from the website, but we all know that getting things off the shelf can be necessary. The purchasing of menstrual products can be very hard on the individuals who have low income, and they are often the least donated item. If you can please take time to donate menstrual products to those in need that can be awesome, but you can also leave them new products in public bathrooms so that someone else can pick them up when needed. If you attend a university or school see if you can get students together to pass a Menstrual Cycle or Period Bill to provide free resources to those in need on campus. Many schools have been recently adopting this practice, for the overwhelming affect it has on the pockets of college and highschool students.
Pregnancy:
Pregnancy:
Pregnancy refers to a series of stages and the implantation of an joined egg and sperm (embryo) in the body of a person assigned female at birth. This occurs after the introduction of sperm to the vaginal cavity that surpasses the cervix into the uterus. The ways that sperm can be introduced to the vaginal cavity are typically through one of two ways: heterosexual penetrative sex (a penis penetrating a vagina), and the medical introduction of an IntraUterineInsemination with intended/donation sperm.
Not all pregnancies result in a baby, and that is a truthful part of the pregnancy process. It's important that we seek maternal fetal healthcare throughout our pregnancy process.
The several situations listed above have the same definition under certain state laws, due to the overturn of Roe v. Wade on June 26th, 2022. It's important that we continue to pressure our lawmakers to make abortion and maternal fetal medicine choices up to the people who face their outcomes.
The several situations listed above have the same definition under certain state laws, due to the overturn of Roe v. Wade on June 26th, 2022. It's important that we continue to pressure our lawmakers to make abortion and maternal fetal medicine choices up to the people who face their outcomes.
'De-Sexualizing, Sex' Why we should understand AFAB body's history:
'De-Sexualizing, Sex' Why we should understand AFAB body's history:
We hope that we can foster a conversation where the act of sex itself is not sexualized. It is vital that we are able to come together as a species, across both sexes, to understand that sexual activity has historically not always been pleasurable for everyone involved, and the force of birthing and sex on females, has created a generational shift in how one may view sexual activity. When coming at these conversations from a scientific perspective, we have to remain aware that these are functions of our bodies, and for some the lack of function or ability is really difficult to manage. The more we have educated conversations on these topics, the less scared or stigmatizing it will be to experience them. We all have these bodies, yet we still want to live in a world where we pretend we don't know. There is nothing that should be forcibly hidden from the rest of the world, especially if it is about the state of our bodies or lives, we are here on Earth to wittness one another. We should curate a society where there is no justification for unconsensual actions that comes from ever mistaking another human's state of being as 'promiscuity', for that is a grave dishonor to our own species. Promiscuity itself, is a word that should have never needed to exist, only used to describe a women's presentation from a horrendous man's perspective.
Another example, being able to discuss an orgasm and how they can occur for/in different bodies, without sexualizing the conversation, is imperative for us to have a framework and move through discussing the ways pleasure can occur with another person, without creating unnecessary pressure or being uneducated about potential needs.
There are many groups of people who do not experience, or define, sexual pleasure in the ways typical society may; and beyond their ability for such, they carry entire lives with them still. We often forget about people's traumas (old or new), and that emotional, physical, or mental these traumas stay with us, changing in the soft ways they might, but they never go away. We have to keep in mind that outside of ability or want, all bodies experience orgasm and pleasure differently in the physical form. This along, with the complexity of different genitalia potentially needing different stimulation to achieve pleasure, can influence the series of actions so that sexual acts are only pleasurable for one person at a time.
From a neurological perspective, we have to keep in mind that sexual pleasure and sexual desires have always lived in the part of the brain responsible for fight or flight, and our adrenaline centers, which means for those who've experienced a lot of their life in severe fight or flight, sexual activities may be a different experience. It is often that people experience intense emotional releases when they experience sexual pleasure, which is something that we as a society should be foster more in conversation.
Many groups of people experience their pleasure in different ways depending on how sexual activities have occured in their lives, and how it affects them. We know that 1 in 6 women have been assaulted, so we understand that there may be direct trauma associated with the act of sex, and sexual pleasure. The act of sexual reproduction for the intention of birth can also bring it's own from of trauma for many people. Experiencing a misscarriage or loss of a child, is a life-changing experience, one that may temporarily or long-term affect the people who are in that relationship. For parents going through infertility, the act of sexual activity can become associated with negative emotions rather than positive ones. That does not mean that sexual activity isn't pleasurable for people in this situation, but that the pleasure is not being done for the act of pleasure, but to lead to a child.
Abortion
Abortion
Anti-Choice States: Any Fetal/ Fetal Developement Tissue leaving the Uterus.
Medical Term: "the removal of pregnancy tissue, products of conception or the fetus and placenta (afterbirth) from the uterus. In general, the terms fetus and placenta are used after eight weeks of pregnancy. Pregnancy tissue and products of conception refer to tissue produced by the union of an egg and sperm before eight weeks." (Harvard Medical School)
Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is one where the ovum (egg and sperm unified) attaches in a person's body outside of the uterus. Typically the locations of these ectopic pregnancies happen in the fallopian tube, which allows the travel of the egg from the ovary to the uterus. This can be deadly for people who experience these pregnancies, as they are unvialable and cause internal damage and distress.
Contrary to some thoughts out there, there is no science that supports the viability of an embryo and replantation after an ecotopic pregnancy experience.
Misscarriage
Misscarriage
Miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) is very common and happens for several reasons, most often due to genetic fetal development.
If a embryo is beginning development, the genetic information has to be functional together, to allow the fetus to reach life outside of the womb. When this does not occur, the body has a way of creating a menstrual cycle that typically removes all the tissue from uterus. When the tissue is not fully removed from the body it can cause sepsis, which is not treatable by physicians in Anti-Choice States until death is eminent.
We must remember that miscarriages and pre-term labor can happen for a number of reasons and they are typically parent-desired pregnancies.
Fetal Fatal Conditions
Fetal Fatal Conditions
All parents face fetal exams that look out for fetal fatal conditions so they know how to prepare care for parents and baby throughout the pregnancy and birth. Not all fatal conditions of fetuses are caught early in a pregnancy, leaving parents with a very hard decision to make. Not all fetuses with fatal conditions survive through birth, when they do the family is typically advised to expect a passing shortly after. This can be extremely traumatic for parents in this situation, and now that abortion is illegal, this road has been even harder for some parents.
Spontaneous Fetal Death
Spontaneous Fetal Death
Spontaneous Fetal Death is when a fetus that would be considered later-term, is no long with a heart beat, but has not been delivered. This can pose a large threat to the pregnant parents's life and reproductive system. Many people who experience this, are still put through labor and delivery, but with the knowlegde that the fetus has stopped developing.
These situations are very traumatizing to pregnant parents, and those around them. It's important that we remember the grieving and loss process is different for everyone, we have no need to place judgement in this category (or any pregnancy).
Still Birth
Still Birth
Still birth is a term used for when a fetus/infant is found to have no heartbeat, or is delivered without the capacity for life. Sometimes there is no medical reason as to how or why these occur, but historically the stress has been typically applied to the mother (or pregnant parent).
Still births are typically very traumatizing for parents, family, and medical staff. It's important that we remember the grieving and loss process is different for everyone, we have no need to place judgement in this category (or any pregnancy).
Abortion Finder . ORG
Abortion Finder . ORG
Abortionfinder.org, linked below, is an all gender inclusive website that provides easy to understand and quick information on how to find an abortion provider. Please check them out when looking for more information on real & safe abortion providers in your area.
POST ROE ERA:
Anti-Choice States
Anti-Choice States
Anti-choice states are those that do not have abortion right laws enshrined in there state's constitution. These laws protect those in need of services for any of the reasons above. Many people who seek medically necessary abortions, are still turned away in these states, even if the life of the parent is threatened by said condition.
For parents who are making this choice from other needs should also be recognized for the lack of accessible infant/child support in their communities. Many face poverty, discrimination, and other factors that make parenthood inaccessible; they are forced the raise these children without the proper support in Anti-Choice States.
Pro-Choice States
Pro-Choice States
Pro-Choice States are those that do have abortion rights and maternal medicine laws that make sure a parent can access the proper medical treatment. Some of the pro-choice states still have regulations on abortions late-term; but the life of the mother is no longer in jeopardy if a medical event were to happen. This is vital when it comes to maternal fetal medicine, and the regulations around informed consent and the procedures that can be done.
We must continue to fight for pro-choice regulation if we want maternal mortality rates to continue their decline, and put the parent's choice first when it comes to the help of themselves, and their fetus.
Types of Abortion Procedures:
Types of Abortion Procedures:
(these procedures are also used to clear out tissue from the uterus after birth)
Trigger Warning: this information can be hard to understand or create uncomfortable feelings. Abortion can be a sensitive topic for many, we choose to be as open and honest as possible to continue the least amount of confusion. To learn more please check out https://www.plannedparenthood.org/blog/what-are-the-different-types-of-abortion .
Mifepristone
Mifepristone
Mifepristone and/or Mifepristol are drugs used to initiate a more intense cramping period in which fetal tissue can be excreted through the cervix and vaginal canal; typically referred to as an at-home-abortion, because it consists of taking some pills as waiting. It is vitally important that we mention how the time and stage of a pregnancy and fetus will determine the symptoms of a Mifepristone abortion. The cervix still has to dilate and excrete the contents of the pregnancy and due the fact that everyone has different experiences, some experience a 'heavier period', and some have more traumatic and painful experiences. None of this information is to scare or worry anyone, it's a simple fact of the procedure/medical event. There are almost no medical issues or dangers to taking mifepristone, the rarest correlational occurrences include heartattacks in 0.1% of patients. However, we are unable to seperate mifepristone users and people at risk for heartattack. It's important we know all the risks and dangers but also understand where they come from and if they apply to us.
In the event someone is in need of mifepristone due to bleeding or sepsis potential during a miscarriage or birth, the dangers of not obtaining the medication are life threatening.
Dilation and Curettage (D&C)
Dilation and Curettage (D&C)
When a fetus is too large to pass through the vaginal canal without medical assistance then we call that a dilation and curretage. This is when they deliver some of fetus tissue, and then perform a curettage of the placenta and fetal tissue, to encourage a period to follow. This was the most common form of back-alley abortion; however, when not being treated by a medical professional, the risk of infection and excessive bleeding goes up! Of course, when being seen by a medical professional, we are seeking important advice, and typically at this stage of pregnancy the decision is more likely to have a medical need component. These procedures can be less traumatic than other methods because it typically includes sedation or anesthsia of some kind. This does not make the procedure easier, but may calm some about the emotional tole it could. take.
Dilation and Extraction (D&E)
Dilation and Extraction (D&E)
For this procedure, the most important thing to keep in mind, is that these abortions do not occur for reasons that are other than traumatic, and death of the fetus (and/or mother) is eminent.
This procedure includes inducing a pregnant person to give birth to the fetus they are growing. They typically go through all the stages of typically birth, and deliver the fetus; most of the time this is provided as medical treatment the fetus is born passed away.
In states where abortion is hard to access, this form of abortion is typically the hardest to access, and typically only accessed by those who are in desperate need due to the death of their fetus in the whom, (which can cause possibly fatal sepsis for the mother). The people in these positions when they find out that their child is no longer viable the last thing they need to find out is that it is illegal to receive that care in their home state.
Abortion & Death Doulas
Abortion & Death Doulas
"An abortion doula provides physical and emotional support to a patient during their abortion process. It's an added level of care outside of the actual medical care where providers are attuning to whatever the patients' needs are, to make them as comfortable as possible during the process. That can look like making sure they're warm enough or making sure that they have food or drinks or just whatever is going to make them feel supported. The doula can step in and advocate for the patient and offer the patient options. This also looks like some level of physical support with breathing exercises or visualization exercises to help take the patient's mind off any pain or discomfort that they may be experiencing because, sadly, with any medical procedure, there can be some level of discomfort. The abortion doula is there to really walk them through that. "
"Abortion doulas provide holistic support throughout the abortion process. Working with a doula can be an exceptional avenue for education, healing, and community."
"It breaks my heart that so many people go through the abortion process alone. This is one of the reasons why I became a certified abortion doula: so that people feel less alone and know that they’re supported."
Lennon- The Abortion Doula Certified by Colorado Doula Project
"The JADA System is intended to provide control and treatment of abnormal postpartum uterine bleeding or hemorrhage when conservative management is warranted." (from their site)
Suggested by Jen Hamilton R.N. (OB), as a device that you should ask your provider about having at their facility during your birthing process. As it is a device that significantly decreases the likelihood of a typically fatal postpartum hemorrhage to result in a loss of life.
The project to retain Abortion Access has just begun, and it will take each and everyone of us to find a way through this together. Please remember that even if you are never in need of these life saving proceures, someone is. We may want the full potential of our pregnancies, and still find ourselves in a position where we need life saving care. AFAB individuals are doing their best to keep our hopes up, but the history of their rights is not to tasteful. Please remember that some areas are losing their maternal fetal medicine clinics all together, not just a few procedures they do. Call on your community and your peers to talk about this issue and find ways to uplift those who are having to travel long distances, or don't have access to any abortion & maternal/fetal health care. If you are in need of resources please fill out our Ask for Support Page.
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There is always more research being done!
There is always more research being done!
If you would like to help us write about commonly silenced areas or personal experiences you may have with these topics, contact us at thisisactivism2023@gmail.com or fill out our Comments page. We want our website to be a continuous growth of knowledge to share with each other in a positive way. There are so many things we don't talk about and we should!
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