Changes

==Surgical abortion==

==Surgical abortion==

The most common first trimester abortions are vacuum aspiration and suction curettage.<ref name="ldi">[http://www.ldi.org/DeathCamps/Methods1.cfm Life Dynamics.org]</ref> In this procedure, the mother's [[cervix]] is dilated to the point where insertion of the suction device, known as a "cannula", can be inserted into the uterus. The contents of the mother's uterus &mdash; the [[fetus]] &mdash; are then vacuumed out through the cannula, using either an electronic or hand-powered suction device.<ref name="ldi"></ref> In some cases, the curette is then inserted to "scrape out" any remains from the mother's uterus.<ref>[http://www.emedicinehealth.com/dilation_and_curettage_dandc/article_em.htm "Dilation and Curettage (D&C)", ''Emedicine Health'']</ref>

The most common first trimester abortions are vacuum aspiration and suction curettage.<ref name="ldi">[http://www.ldi.org/DeathCamps/Methods1.cfm Life Dynamics.org]</ref> In this procedure, the mother's [[cervix]] is dilated to the point where insertion of the suction device, known as a "cannula", can be inserted into the uterus. The contents of the mother's uterus &mdash; the [[fetus]] &mdash; are then vacuumed out through the cannula, using either an electronic or hand-powered suction device.<ref name="ldi" /> In some cases, the curette is then inserted to "scrape out" any remains from the mother's uterus.<ref>[http://www.emedicinehealth.com/dilation_and_curettage_dandc/article_em.htm "Dilation and Curettage (D&C)", ''Emedicine Health'']</ref>

==Chemical abortion==

==Chemical abortion==

[[Chemical abortion]]s are also performed in the first trimester, typically within the first nine weeks of pregnancy.<ref name="ldi"></ref> This is performed by a variety of different measures:

[[Chemical abortion]]s are also performed in the first trimester, typically within the first nine weeks of pregnancy.<ref name="ldi" /> This is performed by a variety of different measures:

*'''[[Mifepristone]] (RU-486)''' is used to chemically induce abortion between five and nine weeks of pregnancy.<ref name="life">[http://www.lifesitenews.com/abortiontypes/chabortion_types.html "Abortion Methods", LifeSiteNews.com]</ref> More information about mifepristone can be found [[mifepristone|here]].

*'''[[Mifepristone]] (RU-486)''' is used to chemically induce abortion between five and nine weeks of pregnancy.<ref name="life">[http://www.lifesitenews.com/abortiontypes/chabortion_types.html "Abortion Methods", LifeSiteNews.com]</ref> More information about mifepristone can be found [[mifepristone|here]].

*'''[[Methotrexate]]''' is typically used as a treatment for autoimmune disorders and cancer by inhibiting the metabolism of folic acid, the B vitamin necessary for cell division. Methotrexate attacks the fast-growing cells called trophoblasts, which essentially are life support for the fetus. The trophoblasts draw oxygen and nutrients from the mother's blood supply.<ref name="life"></ref> Deprived of nutrition and oxygen, the baby dies.

*'''[[Methotrexate]]''' is typically used as a treatment for autoimmune disorders and cancer by inhibiting the metabolism of folic acid, the B vitamin necessary for cell division. Methotrexate attacks the fast-growing cells called trophoblasts, which essentially are life support for the fetus. The trophoblasts draw oxygen and nutrients from the mother's blood supply.<ref name="life" /> Deprived of nutrition and oxygen, the baby dies.

==Legality==

==Legality==

In the United States, state governments can only restrict abortions after the first trimester.<ref name="court">[http://www.religioustolerance.org/abo_supr.htm Abortion Access, ReligiousTolerance.org]</ref> This means that a woman can freely decide to terminate her pregnancy in the first trimester, even if suffering no medical complications. In the Supreme Court case [[Roe v. Wade]], the Court found that:<ref name="court"></ref>

In the United States, state governments can only restrict abortions after the first trimester.<ref name="court">[http://www.religioustolerance.org/abo_supr.htm Abortion Access, ReligiousTolerance.org]</ref> This means that a woman can freely decide to terminate her pregnancy in the first trimester, even if suffering no medical complications. In the Supreme Court case [[Roe v. Wade]], the Court found that:<ref name="court" />

{{cquote|For the stage prior to approximately the end of the first trimester, the abortion decision and its effectuation must be left to the medical judgment of the pregnant woman's attending physician.}}

{{cquote|For the stage prior to approximately the end of the first trimester, the abortion decision and its effectuation must be left to the medical judgment of the pregnant woman's attending physician.}}

==Fetal development in the first trimester==

==Fetal development in the first trimester==

*'''The brain''' begins to form its most complex parts.

*'''The brain''' begins to form its most complex parts.

*'''Arms, legs, hands, and feet''' are maturing. The baby can make a fist at around nine weeks.

*'''Arms, legs, hands, and feet''' are maturing. The baby can make a fist at around nine weeks.

*'''''Everything that is present in an adult human is now present in the small embryo''''' at eight weeks. <ref>[http://www.americanpregnancy.org/duringpregnancy/fetaldevelopment1.htm American Pregnancy Association]</ref>

*'''''Everything that is present in an adult human is now present in the small embryo''''' at eight weeks.<ref>[http://www.americanpregnancy.org/duringpregnancy/fetaldevelopment1.htm American Pregnancy Association]</ref>

==Morning after pill==

==Morning after pill==