Abortion happens in one of two ways: medical (also known as the “abortion pill”) or surgical. Both involve different processes and carry certain risks. Understanding these risks can help you make an informed decision about your next steps.
This article outlines some key risks to be aware of. If you have questions or want to learn more, contact Choices Medical Services. We offer pregnancy services, including limited OB ultrasounds and options information.
Medical Abortion Risks
Medical abortion involves taking two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, to terminate and expel a pregnancy.
Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone necessary for maintaining pregnancy. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract, expelling the pregnancy through bleeding and cramping.
While some side effects are expected, medical abortion carries potential risks, including:
- The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue in the uterus, also called an incomplete abortion. This may require surgical abortion.
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work.
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding.
- Infection.
- Fever.
- Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach.
Surgical Abortion Risks
Surgical abortion is performed in a clinic and involves using medical instruments to remove the pregnancy from the uterus.
The cervix is dilated (opened) using drugs or medical tools to allow access to the uterus. A combination of suction, scraping instruments, or forceps is used to remove the pregnancy.
Like any medical procedure, surgical abortion carries risks, including:
- Uterine perforation is when a medical instrument accidentally creates a hole in the uterus.
- Uterine scarring can lead to painful periods and potential fertility issues.
- Cervical damage may impact future pregnancies.
- Infection can develop if bacteria enter the uterus or tissue is left behind.
Mental Health Risks
If you’re considering abortion, it’s essential to take the time to learn what’s involved and to be sure you’re making a decision that’s your own, without pressure from others. Research shows that feeling coerced into an abortion can increase the likelihood of experiencing negative mental health effects afterward.
Although there is a debate about the link between mental health and abortion, both sides agree that abortion is consistently associated with elevated rates of mental illness compared to women without a history of abortion.
How Can I Protect My Health?
A limited OB ultrasound is an important step before an abortion. An ultrasound can determine key details about your pregnancy, helping you understand what options may be available.
Choices Medical Services offers confidential pregnancy services, including limited OB ultrasounds and options information.
If you’re weighing your next steps, contact us today. You are not alone—we’re here to support you.
*All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.