A case of suspected illegal abortion: how clinicians may assist the forensic pathologist. (3rd July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aquila, Isabella; Ricci, Pietrantonio; Mocciaro, Rita; Gratteri, Santo
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2018
• Publication Date: 2018-07-03
• Subjects: obstetrics, gynaecology and fertility -- abortion -- pregnancy -- materno-fetal medicine; Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2017-220577
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : Abortion may be performed in a safe or unsafe manner, the latter being a frequent and dangerous event. It can also be performed in countries where abortion is legally recognised but, for various reasons, may be undertaken in an illegal environment. We present a case of a possible illegal abortion. A woman presented to the hospital with a dead fetus, saying that she was the victim of a car accident. Forensic and gynaecological examination of the woman were carried out, along with an autopsy of the fetus. It was discovered that the woman had performed a clandestine abortion. The differential diagnosis between illegal abortion and miscarriage represents a complicated issue and requires both clinical and forensic support. The gynaecologist may be of assistance to the forensic pathologist in confirming whether an illegal abortion has been performed.