1.0 Introduction There are many arguments surrounding the abortion debate. An issue dealing with abortion that has not been explored very thoroughly is the issue of Post-Abortion-Syndrome. This paper will examine the psychological and physiological effects of abortion, on the women who had them, later in life. This paper dealing with abortion will not explore either side of the abortion debate because to do so would introduce biases.
This paper will examine physical complications and problems resulting from abortions. This paper will also examine this mystery of Post Abortion Syndrome and outline the symptoms, causes, criteria and treatments, for the disorder itself. In a recent study in Buffalo more than 400 women were poled two years after they had an abortion, and it was found that only seven out of ten were glad for their decision, 12% were unsure, and 19% regretted it. (Western Report 1998, 29) In the past there has been debate as to the mere existence of Post-Abortion-Stress disorder, this paper will dispel that confusion.
2.0 Review of Literature
2.1 psychological Effects of Abortion
It has been discovered that there are many emotional aspects that can effect the psychological well being of women who undergo an abortion. These emotions include guilty feelings, anxiety, depression, loss, anger, and even suicide. Clinical research has found that when women are in trusting, sharing relationships, they report deep seated feelings of exploitation over their abortion experience. (Alliance Action Inc 1993, 1) A woman reports, “I was unprepared for the maze of emotions that hit me after I had the procedure. Instead of feeling relieved, I w…
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…t, 12/01/98: 25
7. M.Rue, Vincint. Post Abortion Syndrone; Diagnostic Criteria, 1989
8. Michelle C. “Don’t Make My Mistakes”. She’s a Child, 1996
9. The National Office of Post-Abortion Reconciliation and Healing Impact of Abortion on the Family; IRLF Newsletter, 1993
10. Ranalli, Paul. “Abortion and Breast Cancer:Why dismiss the link?”.
11. The Globe and Mail, April 1, 1996
Outline
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Review of Literature
2.1 Psychological Effects of Abortion
2.1.1 Symptoms of Post Abortion Syndrome
2.1.2 Causes of Post Abortion Syndrome
2.1.3 Diagnostic Criteria for Post Abortion Syndrome
2.1.4 Treatments for Post Abortive Stress Disorder
2.2 Physiological Effects of Abortion
2.2.1 Miscarriages
2.2.2 Infertility/Ectopic Pregnancies
2.2.3 Breast Cancer
2.3 Conclusion
Female Genital Mutilation in Islam
Female Genital Mutilation in Islam
Female circumcision is a practice not uncommon in Muslim society. Although this practice does not only occur within Muslim society, this paper will focus on the practices that do occur within Islamic society. The Islamic countries with the most prevalence in practicing this form of genital mutilation are Sudan (98%), Somalia (98%), and Egypt (75%) (El Saadawi 34). Other Islamic countries that practice this are Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and India, which practice this under the name of sunnah circumcision. Sunnah refers to the Muslim religion, although it is not clearly defined within the religion.
There are three major types of female circumcision that are commonly practiced within Islamic society. These types are: sunnah; clitoridectomy or excision; infibulation or pharaonic circumcision. Sunnah is performed according to the tradition of Mohammed. Religious circles who favor this method of circumcision usually do not give details as to what the act actually entails. Some circles say that is the complete removal of the clitoris and labia minora, whereas others tend to say that it is just the cutting of the kernel-shaped external skin above the genitals (Falk). A cliteridectomy consists of ablation of the clitoris as well as the labia minora. Infibulation involves complete removal of the clitoris, labia minora, and part of the labia majora. Then the two sides of the vulva are sewn together with silk, thorns, or slivers of wood in order to close the vulva, except for a passage of urine and menstrual flow (Falk). Even with minimal excisions, this experience undoubtedly traumatizes the female. “To some extent all excisions involve some degree of irreparable loss. A…
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…Facts. In Global Problems [On-line]. 4 paragraphs. Available HTTP: www.earlham.edu/earlhamcollege/polisci/globalprobs/fgm/Biology.html
Brownlee, Shannon, and Jennifer Seter. “In the Name of Ritual.” U.S. News and World Report 7 Feb 1994: 56-58.
Cloudsley, Anne. Women of Omdurman. London: Ethnographica, 1983. 105-125.
El Saadawi, Nawal. The Hidden Face of Eve, Women in the Arab World. tr.