Many doubts could be running through your mind when it comes to abortion. What are the risks physically or emotionally? Is the procedure safe? What are all my abortion options? Some risks of abortion are infection, incomplete abortion, and serious emotional side effects including depression.
It’s essential to understand every risk before making your final pregnancy decision. We are here to better inform you so you can receive clarity. Know that you are not alone in this process and our team at Pregnancy Help Center.
Medical Abortion
The two-step process of medical abortion also called the abortion pill, involves two drugs: Mifepristone and Misoprostol.
These drugs work together to terminate an existing pregnancy by blocking the womb from absorbing progesterone and causing the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. Medical abortion is only recommended by the FDA for women up to 10 weeks of pregnancy (70 days).
Physical risks of medical abortion include, according to the Mayo Clinic 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
Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion procedure is very invasive and requires anesthesia as well as multiple surgical instruments to remove the pregnancy through the vagina. During a surgical abortion, the uterus is dilated and a small suction tube is inserted into the uterus. The suction device is used to remove the fetus and related pregnancy material from the uterus.
Physical risks of surgical abortion, according to the National Library of Medicine, include:
- Damage to the womb or cervix
- Uterine perforation
- 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
- Not removing all of the tissue, requires another procedure
Mental Health Risks of Abortion
Along with the physical risks of abortion, there are mental health risks as well. The National Library of Medicine shares a study of 164 female participants who self-reported having experienced a miscarriage or abortion in their lifetime.
The study found that “mental health conditions attributed to the reproductive loss by those who reported longer bereavement times included subsequent relationship problems, substance misuse, depression, suicidal ideation, and PTSD.”
Learn More About Your Options
You deserve to know about all your pregnancy options. Schedule a no-cost appointment with our caring team today to confirm your pregnancy with free and confidential pregnancy services, as well as a free options consultation.
You are not alone.