What are the Risks of Abortion?

Abortion, whether surgical or medical (the abortion pill), carries potential medical risks. Both methods also carry emotional and psychological risks, which can vary widely among individuals. It’s important to understand the risks of abortion, so you can make a fully informed decision. Keep reading to learn more.

Surgical Abortion Risks

  • Uterine Perforation: An instrument may accidentally puncture the uterus, possibly needing surgical repair.[1]
  • Asherman Syndrome: Scar tissue inside the uterus from repeated procedures can impact future fertility.[2]  
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Bacteria introduced during surgery may cause infection in the reproductive tract.[3]  
  • Intense Pain: Studies show second-trimester abortions like D&E can be more painful than expected.[4]
A woman with a pill and a glass of water in hand
A woman drinking coffee and looking out the window

Abortion Pill Risks

Common side effects of the abortion pill include[5]:

  • Spotting or bleeding that can last up to a month
  • Headaches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea and digestive pain
  • Chills
  • Fever
  • Abdominal cramping (caused by the misoprostol)

Severe side effects include:

  • Allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock)[6]
  • Hemorrhaging (excessive bleeding)[7]
  • Incomplete abortion (remaining pregnancy tissue)[8]
  • Infection (fever lasting more than 24 hours)[9]

If you experience any of the severe side effects listed above, seek medical attention immediately.

Mental Health Risks of Abortion

Everyone feels different after an abortion. Some studies say abortion might lead to mental health challenges for some women, like making existing problems worse or causing new ones.[10][11] 

Here are some possible mental health risks of abortion[12][13]: 

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Low Self-Esteem
  • Substance Abuse
  • Suicidal Behaviors

Considering Abortion? Get a Mobile Ultrasound First.

At ICU Mobile, we understand that facing an unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming. We’re here to provide you with the facts about the risks of abortion and guide you through every step of the process. 

We provide mobile ultrasounds in our mobile medical units. Our services are confidential, free of charge, and designed to help you make the best decision for your health and future. 

Give us a call at (877) 231-2005 or schedule your appointment online today. 

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Someone being comforted after experiencing medical risks

Please be aware that ICU Mobile does not provide or refer for abortion services. 

Sources

  1. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, April 5). Abortion – Surgical. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002912.htm
  2. Mayo Clinic. (2024, July 6). Elective Abortion: Does it Affect Subsequent Pregnancies? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/abortion/faq-20058551
  3. Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 30). Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594
  4. Dzuba, I. G., Chandrasekaran, S., Fix, L., Blanchard, K., & King, E. (2022, May 12). Pain, Side Effects, and Abortion Experience Among People Seeking Abortion Care in the Second Trimester. Women’s Health Reports (New Rochelle, N.Y.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9148646/
  5. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, November 15). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html 
  6. Shin, Hyun Joo, et al. “Anaphylactic Shock to Vaginal Misoprostol: A Rare Adverse Reaction to a Frequently Used Drug.” PubMed Central (PMC), 9 Aug. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6137020
  7. FDA. (2019, July). Prescribing Information for Mifeprex. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/022348s014lbl.pdf 
  8. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, July 29). Medical Abortion. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687 
  9. See source #5.
  10. Fergusson DM, Horwood LJ, Boden JM. Abortion and mental health disorders: evidence from a 30-year longitudinal study. British Journal of Psychiatry. 2008;193(6):444-451. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-british-journal-of-psychiatry/article/abortion-and-mental-health-disorders-evidence-from-a-30year-longitudinal-study/59A90CBF3A58C58B342CBCFFBBFEBD2E
  11. Mota, N. P., Burnett, M., & Sareen, J. (2010, April). Associations Between Abortion, Mental Disorders, and Suicidal Behaviour in a Nationally Representative Sample. American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.aaplog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Mota-et-al.pdf
  12. Fergusson, D. M., Horwood, L. J., & Ridder, E. M. (2005, September 22). Abortion in young women and subsequent mental health. Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health. https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2005.01538.x
  13. Coleman PK. Abortion and mental health: quantitative synthesis and analysis of research published 1995–2009. British Journal of Psychiatry. 2011;199(3):180-186. doi:10.1192/bjp.bp.110.077230 

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