Can someone give me their explanation of the time limit of 12 weeks, why not 4 weeks?
http://www.thejournal.ie/12-weeks-abortion-ireland-3988241-May2018/One of three major milestones
Speaking about why the 12-week limit was chosen, the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists noted that 12 weeks is “one of three major milestones in pregnancy”.
In a statement, the Institute explained: “The period up to 12 weeks is termed early pregnancy. The other major milestones are viability – or the possibility of survival outside the womb – at approximately 23 to 24 weeks, and term at 37 to 42 weeks when foetal development has been completed.”
The Institute noted that 12 weeks is a milestone because most miscarriages occur during this period, adding that this is “in fact usually 10 weeks after conception since pregnancy is dated from the first day of the last menstrual period and conception usually occurs two weeks after this date”.
“Up to 50% of pregnancies miscarry in the first four weeks, typically before a woman is aware that she has conceived. Of the 50% that progress beyond four weeks, there is a significant further rate of miscarriage heavily influenced by the age of the woman.”
For example, a 30-year-old woman has approximately a 10% chance of miscarrying, whereas a 40-year-old woman has at least a 35% of miscarrying. This risk increases sharply each subsequent year, reaching 75% from the age of 45.
