During a first-trimester discussion about abortion, which statement reflects a misconception about the procedure?

During a first-trimester discussion about abortion, which statement reflects a misconception about the procedure?

• A. Adolescents only choose to terminate pregnancy 10% of the time
• B. Menstrual extraction could be done at this point
• C. The risk is high for hemorrhage & fever
• D. Cervical injury overall from induced abortion is rare

Answer: (B)

In first-trimester abortion counseling, it's important to stick to current, evidence-based methods rather than outdated ideas. The misconception here is the belief that menstrual extraction could be done at this point. Menstrual extraction is an old, not commonly used technique and is not part of modern first-trimester abortion care due to safety concerns. Today, options are suction (vacuum) aspiration or medical abortion with medications like mifepristone and misoprostol, both of which are standard, regulated approaches performed by trained clinicians. The other statements touch on risks and demographics that are more nuanced; while any procedure has some risk, hemorrhage and fever are not high risks in early abortions when performed properly, and cervical injury is rare.

In first-trimester abortion counseling, it's important to stick to current, evidence-based methods rather than outdated ideas. The misconception here is the belief that menstrual extraction could be done at this point. Menstrual extraction is an old, not commonly used technique and is not part of modern first-trimester abortion care due to safety concerns. Today, options are suction (vacuum) aspiration or medical abortion with medications like mifepristone and misoprostol, both of which are standard, regulated approaches performed by trained clinicians. The other statements touch on risks and demographics that are more nuanced; while any procedure has some risk, hemorrhage and fever are not high risks in early abortions when performed properly, and cervical injury is rare.