Any medical procedure carries its own set of risks and abortion is no exception, although the type of risk depends on the type of abortion.
Read the rest of this article to make a more informed decision about your pregnancy.
What Are the Risks of the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill is also called a “medication abortion” and is a regimen of two different drugs. The first, mifepristone, blocks essential hormones necessary for fetal development. The second, misoprostol, induces contractions to expel pregnancy remnants.
Common side effects of a medication abortion will include lower abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding.
According to the Mayo Clinic, potential risks of medical abortion include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
- Septic shock
What Are the Risks of a Surgical Abortion?
Surgical abortion requires a clinic visit where the doctor will dilate the cervix with either tablets or a metal rod. Once the dilation is complete, gentle suction and medical tools are used to remove the pregnancy.
Risks of surgical abortion can include:
- Damage to the womb or cervix
- Uterine perforation (accidentally putting a hole in the uterus with one of the instruments used)
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes
- Scarring on the inside of the uterus
- Reaction to the medicines or anesthesia, such as problems breathing
Are There Mental Health Risks?
There is an underrepresented side to abortion and that is the effects it can have on a woman’s mental health. It’s not possible to predict exactly how you will feel after the procedure, but several studies have reported that women can feel the following after an abortion:
One study found that women had an 81% increased risk of mental health problems. Women who already struggle with their mental health are especially at risk, so take careful inventory of your mental health when making a decision.
What’s Next for Me?
Before you have an abortion procedure, especially before you travel out of state, you may want to take a pregnancy test to confirm you are pregnant. It would also be good to schedule an ultrasound to confirm that your pregnancy’s viability and that the gestational age matches the requirements for the procedure.
We offer free and confidential pregnancy tests and ultrasound referrals. Contact us today for us to schedule an appointment.
NOTE: We offer accurate information about all your pregnancy options; however, we do not offer or refer for abortion services. The information presented on this website is intended for general education purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal, professional and/or medical advice.