Can There Be Risks With Abortion?

If you are considering your abortion, you deserve to have all the facts to make a confident, informed decision to prioritize your health. Ensure you are prepared for your next steps by understanding the risks with abortion.

What Is the Abortion Pill?

Medical or medication abortion is often referred to as the abortion pill, though it’s a two-step process with two separate doses of medication. 

The first medication, mifepristone, stops the pregnancy from progressing by blocking the body’s production of progesterone, a pregnancy hormone. Then, the second dose, misoprostol, causes cramping that expels the pregnancy from the uterus through the vagina. 

The first dose is taken under a doctor’s or clinician’s supervision, while the second dose is taken at home several hours or up to a day later. 

The FDA has approved using the medications in the abortion pill process to terminate early pregnancies, up to 10 weeks gestation. Taking these medications past the recommended point in pregnancy increases your risk of complications.

What Are the Risks of the Abortion Pill?

Every medical procedure has associated risks and potential side effects, and the abortion pill is no exception.There are several risks with abortion. Potential physical risks of medication abortion may include the following (as quoted by The Mayo Clinic):

• Incomplete abortion
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding 
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort
• An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work

What Is Surgical Abortion?

Surgical abortion is a clinical procedure performed by a doctor in a clinical setting. There are also risks with abortions of this type.

There are a few different methods of surgical abortion that may be used depending on how far along the patient is or other factors. One of the most common methods is dilation & curettage, or a D&C. In this procedure, a doctor uses medical instruments to open the cervix and scrape and suction the fetus and remaining tissue from the uterus. 

These procedures are often more expensive and have a more serious list of potential complications, as they often occur later in pregnancy.  It’s vital to consider the risks of abortion when making your decisions.

What Are the Risks of Surgical Abortion?

The Mayo Clinic lists the following as potential physical risks with abortion surgical procedures:

• Perforation (tearing or puncture) of the uterus
• Damage to the cervix
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall
• Infection
• Excessive bleeding
• Dizziness or fever 
• Severe cramping 

Risks With Abortion Include Mental Health Issues

While you consider your options, you may also benefit from learning the potential mental health or psychological effects of abortion procedures. Your mental health is worth prioritizing. Ensure you consider all the factors and how they may affect you personally. 

The Mayo Clinic quotes, “Having a medical abortion is a major decision with emotional and psychological consequences.” 

How Do I Know What Pregnancy Option Is Best for Me?  

If you aren’t sure what to do next, let us help you navigate your pregnancy options. The best first step you can take is to learn more about your options and find out key details about your pregnancy with an ultrasound. 

Schedule your free appointment today to get a free confirmation ultrasound and have your questions answered – you are not alone.