Glossary of Frequently Used Terms
Abortion
Ending a pregnancy.
Abortifacient
A drug, herb, or device that can cause abortion (end a pregnancy).
Abortion pill
Describes the process of medication abortion, which includes the use of two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, to safely end a pregnancy. Also often called “medical abortion”
Aspiration abortion
A procedure that ends pregnancy by emptying the uterus with the gentle suction of a manual syringe or with machine-operated suction. Also called “in-clinic abortion.”
D & C (dilation and curettage)
The use of a curette — a metal medical instrument with a narrow loop — to gently scrape away the uterine lining, and the use of suction to remove tissue from the uterus. Can be used for abortion care or for treatment of a miscarriage.
D & E (dilation and evacuation)
The use of suction and medical tools to remove tissue from the uterus during an abortion.
Induced abortion
The intentional termination of pregnancy.
Incomplete Abortion
A kind of miscarriage or abortion in which some pregnancy tissue passes out of the uterus but some stays inside. Sometimes treatment is needed to remove the remaining tissue.
Manual vacuum aspiration (MVA)
An early abortion procedure in which a small, hand-held suction device or suction machine gently takes the pregnancy tissue out of the uterus.
Medication Abortion / Medical Abortion
The use of a combination of drugs to end a pregnancy. Also called the “abortion pill.”
Mifepristone
One of two drugs (the other is misoprostol) used for a medication abortion. Commonly known as “the abortion pill.” The brand name in the U.S is Mifeprex.
Misoprostol
A medication that can be used to complete a medication abortion that’s been induced with mifepristone. This process is commonly known as the abortion pill. Although less effective than mifepristone, misoprostol is used alone for abortion in some countries.
Missed abortion / missed miscarriage
When a pregnancy ends, but the tissue remains in the uterus. Sometimes this can lead to a person continuing to experience pregnancy symptoms for a time. Treatment is sometimes needed to remove the tissue from the uterus.
Pro-choice
Supporting the right to safe, legal abortion.
Septic abortion
An abortion or miscarriage that leads to infection. Usually associated with illegal and unsafe abortion, aggressive medical treatment is often required to save the life of the patient.
Spontaneous abortion
Miscarriage, pregnancy loss.
Therapeutic abortion
Ending a pregnancy because of a fetal abnormality or to protect the pregnant person’s physical or mental health or life.
Vacuum aspiration abortion
A surgical procedure in which a pregnancy is removed from the uterus with a gentle suction device.
FAQs about Abortions
How are abortions usually done?
There are two main ways of ending a pregnancy: in-clinic abortion (often called surgical abortion) and the abortion pill. In-clinic abortions are simple & safe procedures that works by using suction to take a pregnancy out of your uterus.
There are a couple of kinds of in-clinic abortion procedures. Your doctor or nurse will know which type is right for you, depending on how far you are into your pregnancy. The abortion pill works up to 11 weeks of pregnancy and can usually be done in the privacy of your home.
Will having an abortion affect my ability to conceive in the future?
Abortion is safe. Unless there’s a rare and serious complication that’s not treated, there’s no risk to your ability to have children in the future or to your overall health. Having an abortion doesn’t increase your risk for breast cancer, and it doesn’t cause depression or mental health issues. Abortions don’t cause infertility either. In fact, it’s possible to get pregnant quickly after you have an abortion. So it’s a good idea to talk to your nurse or doctor about a birth control plan for after your abortion.
How much does it cost?
There is no standard market price in Jamaica and because of the law it isn’t covered by insurance and price gauging can occur. However, based on our Abortion stories submissions, we estimate that in-clinic abortions can cost between $20,000 - $40,000.
What symptoms can I expect after an abortion?
A good doctor will give after-care instructions and a phone number you can call if you have any questions or concerns. Depending on the procedure, you may have to go back for a check-up or lab work after your procedure.
Plan on resting after your abortion. You can usually go back to work, school and most other normal activities the next day. Avoid hard work or heavy exercise for a few days. You can use pads, tampons, or a menstrual cup for any bleeding — whatever's the most comfortable for you. But your nurse or doctor may recommend you use pads so you can track how much you're bleeding. You can have sex as soon as you feel ready.
Most people feel fine within a day or two, but it’s common for bleeding to last for a week (or several weeks after the abortion pill). Cramping can happen for a few days.
It’s totally normal to have a lot of different emotions after your abortion. Everyone’s experience is different, and there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to feel. Most people are relieved and don’t regret their decision. Others may feel sadness, guilt, or regret after an abortion. Lots of people have all these feelings at different times. These feelings aren’t unique to having an abortion. People feel many different emotions after giving birth, too.
Serious, long-term emotional problems after an abortion are rare. But everybody’s different, and certain things can make coping with an abortion hard. Most people feel better if they have someone supportive to talk to after an abortion. But even if you don’t think there’s anybody in your life you can talk with, you’re not alone. Your nurse or doctor can talk with you, or help you find a licensed counselor or a non-judgmental support group.
Jamaica Observer: Letter to the Editor
26 Jan
Published in the Jamaica Observer Jan 26
Dear Editor,
The issue of abortion enters the public arena as frequently as waves crash onto shore. Verbal battles between pro-choice and pro-life groups have shown that one of these two main groups has remained largely unevolved in its advocacy.
This letter is a response to the Jamaica Observer's January 25, 2021 cover article entitled 'Abortion Rebellion', in which Rev Dr Peter Garth expressed his disrespect towards a person's right to make decisions about her body and future.
This letter's aim is not to argue morality, because everyone has the right to a personal moral compass. Nor is it to convince people who see abortionists as criminals that the debate is not black and white. I'll simply state the facts that Rev Garth has ignored:
1) Abortions have been happening for centuries and will continue to happen centuries from today. The law only prevents them from happening safely. By opposing decriminalisation Rev Garth is green-lighting the continuation of unsafe and unregulated abortions.
2) One out of every three abortions done between 2015 and 2019 was carried out in unsafe or dangerous conditions. Without decriminalisation the Medical Council of Jamaica is unable to formally intervene and ensure that all abortions are done safely.
3) Unsafe abortions are a direct threat to public health and maternal mortality, and disproportionately affect low-income individuals. Rev Garth disregards that people have abortions for a vast number of reasons and people with low incomes are the ones who suffer under our law.
4) Complications from illegal abortions are the eighth leading cause of maternal death in Jamaica. The question is: Does Rev Garth feel comfortable knowing that people who could've received legal and safe abortion care risk their own life?
Rev Garth himself acknowledges that “3,000 years from now, abortions on demand will still be wrong”. Well, Rev, 3,000 years from now abortions will still occur. This means that whether one believes the act is good or bad, the need will persist. Therefore, we must ensure the procedure is done safely, accessible, and entirely up to the person getting the abortion, upon the advice of a medical practitioner, and not the religious opinion of a theologian unaffected by people's personal life.
The landmark ruling of legalising abortion up to the 14th week of pregnancy in Argentina, an extremely Catholic country, shows that the Church's opinion on abortion is not black and white, and the quality health care of those who will have abortions must be legally protected. It is the hope of many that the same victory can take place in Jamaica. But, until then, we will continue to be the small axe, consistently chipping away at the big tree.
The Church should look at the facts presented and not be led by beliefs that ignore our realities here in Jamaica.
Ashley Dalley
abortionjamaica.com
Not Just Twitter-Fingers: How To Contact Your MP About Abortion Rights in Jamaica
What can you do to join the fight for safe and legal abortion access in Jamaica? Contact your MP
Updated on Feb 22nd based on lessons learned and tips you’ve learned.
Anti-choice advocates across the country are pushing to keep our archaic laws that sentence people to life-time in prison for attempting or having an abortion. They’re employing new strategies that include a softer lens on their beliefs and a batch of fresh millennial faces with (really) bad science.
While many Jamaicans support abortions in some case or the other, Jamaica remains one of the few countries in the world that restricts abortion in all cases (yes, including when it’s a risk to the person pregnant).
So when receiving abortion services, as well as assisting someone to access abortion, can land you in prison what can we do to stop it? There's plenty: You can volunteer with and support pro-choice organisations, you can go out and protest (all Covid-protocols observed), and you can cast your vote for pro-choice politicians the next time a local or national election comes around.But wait! There's also a small action you can take every day to remind our lawmakers that reproductive rights are human rights: contact your political representatives.
Ahead, we break down exactly how to do that and list the elected officials you should be calling. The time to fight for our reproductive rights is now.
First, find your MPs
If you don't know your elected officials, this is the time to find out. Our friends over at Tenement Yaad have a list of all our MPs (or landlords as they call them) and you can navigate the page to identify your representatives and find their contact.
Now, time to pick up the phone
Yes, we know picking up the phone trying to talk to your MP can be awkward. But the truth is that’s why this will be effective. Not a lot of people use this method and they’ll respond better to pressure from phone calls. It’s a quick way to tally up support and it's the most difficult to ignore. Plain and simple. They can overlook the build-up of tweets, emails, and letters, but they can't ignore a barrage of phones ringing without losing their mind a little bit.
It's very likely that an assistant will be the one to answer the phone but make sure you're clear that you're calling about repealing the Abortion laws. Get straight to the point and demand your MP to represent your views in parliament.
Ok, so what do I say?
Here’s where we make your life much easier. Below, we have two scripts you can modify and follow.
First, let's say you're registered in North East Manchester, where the MP has been silent on ensuring abortion access is safe and legal. This is the perfect time to call. Here's what you could say:
"Hello, my name is Jamie. I'm a constituent from North East Manchester living in Cobbla. I believe Jamaicans need to access legal and safe abortions and I need my MP to represent my views in parliament and in the media. Many of us want to reduce the number of unsafe abortions happening in your consistency and legalising it will help people get them done in safe environments. Thank you!"
“Hi, my name is Kai, and I’m a 32-year-old chef and a member of your constituency. I urge you to support the right to legal and safe abortions. Not only is it important for the collective health of our society, but the government also has a responsibility to protect its most vulnerable people. I look forward to hearing you represent your view on reproductive rights in the media and in parliament. I’m open to more conversations if you’d like to have them. Thank you, have a nice day!”
Or if your MP has been supportive of safe and legal abortion access you can call them to encourage them! Yes, this is important ☺️. MPs that have been vocal and supportive of decriminalising abortion include Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, Alando Terrelonge, and Lisa Hanna.
"Hello, my name is Shanique, I'm from your constituency and I want to let you know that I believe Jamaicans need to access legal and safe abortions. I am so grateful that you’re representing my views in parliament. Thank you for protecting our human rights and our right to choose!”
If you're calling a Senator or Minister, you can follow a similar guide. Senators Natalie Campbell Rodríguez, Damian Crawford and Dayton Campbell have all shown their support for decriminalising abortion.
Who should I prioritise?
Prioritise calling the MP of where you're registered to vote, or where you live. If you’re too young to vote, or you’re not registered you should still call because our officials represent everyone, not just voters. Then call those you believe need to weigh in on the issue, like our Minister of Gender, Minister of Health, and even the Minister of Finance (because unsafe abortions affect our economy!)
Ok, but I still feel weird about calling 😣
No worries, phone-fright can be real. Send an email, WE-Change has a great template, or you can use ours below:
Dear Hon. [MP Name],
I’m __________ and I live in __________. I’m in support of Jamaicans accessing safe and legal abortions and I would love to hear you represent my views in parliament. At the moment, anyone who gets or attempts to get an abortion can be sentenced to life imprisonment and that is not the Jamaica we want to live in.
I believe ______________.
We know abortion can be a tricky topic to bring up but I assure you there are many others just like me in your consistency and we hope you’re willing to hear from us and represent us. We ultimately hope you’ll speak up in parliament and in the media supporting safe and legal access to abortion because no one should have to resort to unsafe methods or risk life imprisonment.
Regards
[your name]
[your contact if you want]
And if you follow your MP on IG or Twitter? Consider sliding into their DMs after sending an email by using this template. If you have access to them on Whatsapp, this can also be used there too:
Dear Hon. [MP Name]
As a member of your constituency, I support safe, accessible and legal abortions. Currently, having an abortion is a crime punishable by life imprisonment and regardless of our personal views on abortion we believe this law is not just. Ultimately, I would love to see you declare support for abortions in parliament, and also join forces with your colleagues currently in favour of repealing this outdated law. But we also understand that you may need more time to understand the history and effects of this law. Jamaica’s future matters to me and so I will continue to pay keen attention to this debate and I’m sure many others in your consistency will as well. I will continue to advocating for issues I think are important and reaching out to you as my MP.
[your name]
Pro Tips:
Only contact your MP and let them know where you reside. We don’t want the noise.
You’re not asking for their personal opinions and you don’t want to argue, be friendly, kind, but firm.
Don’t identify as a part of advocacy group, you’re just a constituent seeing what’s happening in the news and want your MP to know how you feel about imprisoning people for having abortions.
Avoid the bodily autonomy arguments, avoid conversations about when life begins. These are all important conversations that need to be had, but that’s not your MPs duty, they’re lawmakers and we need them to adjust the law.
Remember people can be against abortions for themselves, but still support decriminalisation.
Whether you contact your elected officials or Senators about local abortion laws or Senators, it's important to remind them there's plenty of data proving most Jamaicans support abortion access in some capacity. It's time to get with the times and let people decide what's best for their own bodies without risking jail time.
