Natural human abortion

Miscarriage
Spontaneous abortion
Natural foetal death

Nature

Abortion is any interruption of pregnancy before 28 weeks of gestation, resulting in a dead foetus. Death of the foetus thereafter is called foetal death. Spontaneous human abortion may take the form of foetal infection and death, or uterine contraction and rejection of the partially formed foetus which may be malformed or have congenital anomalies. Spontaneous abortion may be habitual. It may occur as a result of disease, malnutrition, genetic defects including radiation, ageing, multiple pregnancies or emotional disorder. Women who smoke during pregnancy have a 27% higher chance of miscarriage. If resulting from disease this may be that of the prospective mother or father. Spontaneous abortion may result in death or the continuance of disease complications or emotional disorder. It may create marital and family problems resulting in breakdown. Although miscarriage may be more common than childbirth, women are not prepared for the possibility or for the callousness with which their feelings of loss and bereavement are dismissed by relatives and medical practitioners.

Background

The significance of natural human abortion, or spontaneous miscarriage, emerged in medical literature as early as the 19th century, when physicians began systematically documenting pregnancy outcomes. With advances in obstetrics and epidemiology in the 20th century, its global prevalence became apparent, revealing substantial variation across populations. Increased access to prenatal care and diagnostic technologies has since deepened understanding of its frequency and impact, prompting international health organizations to monitor and address its implications for maternal and reproductive health.

Incidence

The incidence of spontaneous abortion cannot be estimated accurately because of: the unrepresentative nature of populations available for study in the world; understatement due to failure to recognize abortion, lack of recall and lack of rapport between the woman and the interrogator; over statement, misreporting of temporary amenorrhoea, etc. A reasonable estimate seems to be an over-all-ratio of 15-20 spontaneous abortions per 100 pregnancies (WHO report, 1970). Because of the high percentage of genetic aberrations, between 12 and 15% of of all embryos die within a few days or weeks, without the mother being especially aware of it. Between the second and sixth month about 10 to 15% more will die as spontaneous miscarriages. According to a 1992 British report, an estimated 4,300 miscarriages per year are the result of maternal tobacco smoking.

In Australia in 2000, it was estimated that there was one abortion every 2 minutes.

Claim

Natural human abortion, commonly known as miscarriage, is a deeply significant and often overlooked problem. Its high prevalence causes immense emotional and physical suffering for countless individuals and families. Despite its frequency, society and healthcare systems frequently fail to provide adequate support, research, or resources. Ignoring the impact of natural abortion perpetuates stigma and neglects the urgent need for better understanding, prevention, and compassionate care for those affected by this devastating experience.

Counter-claim

Natural human abortion, also known as miscarriage, is not an important problem at all. It is a common biological process, with most cases resulting from natural genetic errors rather than preventable causes. Obsessing over something so inherent to human reproduction distracts from real health issues that can be addressed. Medical science should focus on treatable conditions, not on trying to eliminate a natural occurrence that has always been part of human life.