Abortion
What is an abortion?
An abortion, also known as a termination of pregnancy, is a procedure performed to end an unwanted or medically problematic pregnancy. Abortion is one of the most common gynaecological procedures, with an estimated 200,000 abortions performed in Greece each year. The reasons for choosing an abortion can vary. The most common reason is that the woman does not wish to continue, or had not planned, the pregnancy, for example due to contraceptive failure or incorrect use of contraception. However, there are also cases in which termination of pregnancy may be recommended by a doctor when prenatal testing indicates that the fetus may have a serious genetic or chromosomal abnormality. For this reason, termination of pregnancy can generally be divided into termination of an unwanted pregnancy and therapeutic termination of pregnancy:
1. Termination of an Unwanted Pregnancy
A termination of an unwanted pregnancy refers to ending a pregnancy that the woman does not wish to continue. The reasons may include financial difficulties, lack of readiness for motherhood, personal circumstances or, in some cases, pregnancy resulting from rape or other forms of sexual abuse.
2. Therapeutic Termination of Pregnancy
A therapeutic termination of pregnancy is the termination of a pregnancy that may be recommended by a doctor because continuing the pregnancy could pose serious risks to the health of the pregnant woman or because the fetus has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition. Maternal indications may include severe heart disease, malignant diseases or severe hypertension. Fetal indications may include Down syndrome or other serious genetic or chromosomal abnormalities, particularly when prenatal diagnostic examinations indicate conditions that may be incompatible with life.
When can a pregnancy be terminated?
Under the Greek Penal Code, an abortion may be performed only with the consent of the pregnant woman and only by an obstetrician-gynaecologist, with the participation of an anaesthesiologist, in an organised healthcare facility. More specifically, abortion in Greece is legal up to and including the 12th week of pregnancy. After the 12th week and up to the 19th week of pregnancy, termination may be permitted when the pregnancy is the result of rape, sexual abuse of a minor or incest. After the 12th week and up to the 24th week, termination of pregnancy may be permitted in cases where a serious fetal condition has been diagnosed. In rare circumstances, a termination may also be carried out during the 5th month of pregnancy when serious medical reasons exist, such as a significant risk to the pregnant woman’s life or serious fetal abnormalities, including Down syndrome. After 24 weeks, termination of pregnancy is generally not permitted under Greek law, except where specific medical and legal circumstances apply. Up to the 12th week of pregnancy, termination may be performed either medically, using medication, or surgically.
Video
How is a pregnancy terminated?
There are different methods of terminating a pregnancy. The method selected depends on how far the pregnancy has progressed, whether there are any medical reasons that make a particular method unsuitable, and the woman’s personal preference.There are two main methods of abortion: medical abortion, which involves the use of specific medications, and surgical abortion, which is carried out through a minor surgical procedure.
1. Termination of Pregnancy – Medical Abortion
A medical abortion uses specific medications to terminate a pregnancy. Although medication protocols may vary, they generally cause uterine contractions and cervical dilation, resulting in the expulsion of the pregnancy tissue. Medical abortion can be a painful and relatively lengthy process, and in some cases may result in an incomplete abortion or significant bleeding. If pregnancy tissue remains inside the uterus, an additional procedure may be required to completely empty the uterine cavity and control the bleeding. Medical termination may also be used at later stages of pregnancy when serious fetal abnormalities have been diagnosed, particularly when surgical termination would present technical difficulties. For early pregnancy, medical abortion is generally available up to approximately the 10th week of pregnancy, depending on the individual case and the medical protocol followed.
2. Termination of Pregnancy – Surgical Abortion
During the first consultation, the doctor takes a detailed medical history and discusses the available methods of pregnancy termination. If a surgical method, such as suction aspiration or dilation and evacuation, is selected, certain examinations may be required beforehand. These may include a blood test to determine the woman’s blood group and check for anaemia, as well as an ultrasound to confirm the gestational age. Depending on the individual case, a vaginal examination and tests for cervical infections or sexually transmitted infections may also be recommended. When the procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, the woman will be instructed to fast beforehand according to the anaesthesiologist’s recommendations. During the procedure, the cervix is gently dilated and the uterine cavity is emptied using appropriate medical instruments and suction techniques. The doctor ensures that no pregnancy tissue remains inside the uterus. The surgical abortion procedure is usually brief, and recovery is generally rapid. In most cases, the woman can return home on the same day. Depending on the circumstances, an overnight stay at the clinic may occasionally be recommended. The doctor may prescribe medication for several days following the procedure and will provide specific instructions regarding recovery, hygiene, physical activity and when sexual intercourse can safely be resumed. When a pregnancy is at a more advanced gestational age, the procedure becomes more complex and may require admission to a clinic or hospital and additional medical preparation. In general, a properly performed surgical abortion does not affect future fertility. Rarely, complications such as intrauterine adhesions may occur, particularly following repeated uterine procedures. This condition, known as Asherman syndrome, can often be treated hysteroscopically by removing the adhesions. In general, surgical abortion is preferred, while medical abortion is usually performed at the woman’s request, after she has first been informed about the possible complications.
Complications & Risks of Pregnancy Termination
Advances in medicine and the extensive experience of doctors significantly reduce the likelihood of complications following an abortion. However, although abortion is generally considered a safe procedure, certain complications may still occur, particularly when the procedure is delayed or performed under unsafe conditions. Possible immediate complications include heavy bleeding (approximately 1 in 1,000 abortions), inflammation, infection, uterine perforation or injury to the cervix (in fewer than 1 in 100 abortions). Possible long-term complications may include the formation of intrauterine adhesions, cervical insufficiency and inflammation of the fallopian tubes, which may contribute to infertility.
Thank you for your trust.
Is there a psychological impact from pregnancy termination?
Every woman who decides to undergo an abortion may experience a sense of grief, even in cases of an unwanted pregnancy or a therapeutic termination. The way she experiences and manages this situation depends on her individual psychological and emotional make-up. For some women, abortion can be a very emotionally painful experience, while for others it may be less distressing. In such cases, the gynaecologist may be the only healthcare professional fully aware of the situation and can provide emotional support or, if considered necessary, recommend seeking professional psychological support.If the experience of abortion proves traumatic for a woman, support from a qualified mental health professional is strongly recommended.
Cost – Price of an Abortion
The cost of an abortion varies depending on the method selected, the stage of pregnancy, and other factors, such as whether part of the procedure may be covered by the woman’s health insurance or another healthcare plan. The total cost is also determined by the fees of the obstetrician-gynaecologist, the anaesthesiologist, and the medical staff involved in the termination procedure.In cases of more advanced pregnancy, the cost may also depend on the gestational age and the complexity of the procedure. If hospitalisation is required, the total price may increase according to the number of days the patient remains in the clinic. In general, the cost of an early medical abortion is lower than that of a surgical abortion procedure.
Advice
In general, the earlier a pregnancy termination is performed, the safer it is. However, the procedure should always be carried out by an experienced doctor and in a well-organised gynaecological unit, equipped with modern medical facilities and operating under strict hygiene and safety standards, in order to minimise the risk of complications.
A woman who decides to proceed with an abortion should seek an experienced obstetrician-gynaecologist with appropriate expertise, specialised knowledge and discretion, who can support her throughout the process while protecting both her health and her future reproductive potential.
Regular communication with the doctor is important at every stage, as it helps ensure that the procedure and recovery are managed as safely and effectively as possible.For further information about pregnancy termination, including when it can be performed and how it is carried out, visit kyisis.gr and receive reliable medical information from Obstetrician-Gynaecologist Dr. Kapelis Spyridon.
About Dr. Kapelis
Dr Spyridon Kapelis (Obstetrician-Gynaecologist in Athens) was born in Marousi, Attica, on 27 September 1981. He grew up in Voula, where he continues to live today, and graduated from the 2nd Senior High School of Voula.
Guided throughout his life by the philosophy of “always striving for excellence”, his decision to pursue Medicine was far from accidental. A series of health-related events within his close family environment helped him realise from an early age that medicine was both his calling and his path in life: to help others, relieve pain, support and care for people in need of medical assistance and follow-up, and to be present for those who need him, at any time and under any circumstances, however difficult they may be!
For this reason, during the challenging years of the financial crisis, which affected every sector of society and the economy, he chose to remain in Greece and continue standing beside his patients, supporting them and providing the medical care and services they needed.
Dr Spyridon Kapelis – Obstetrician-Gynaecologist in Athens
Kyisis By Kapelis
