If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, it’s important to understand all your options, including the risks associated with abortion. Like any medical procedure, abortion carries physical dangers to your health, which can vary depending on the type of abortion. Knowing these can help you make an informed decision about your next steps.
Alpha House Pregnancy Resource Center provides free and confidential pregnancy services, including pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, mentoring, and more. We’re here to support you with the information and resources you need. Contact us today.
Continue reading to learn more about the risks you should be aware of if you’re considering abortion.
Types of Abortion
Medical abortion (commonly called “the abortion pill”) uses drugs to end a pregnancy and is typically taken at home. It is only FDA-approved through 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Surgical abortion is performed in a clinic or hospital and involves the use of suction, surgical instruments, or medication to remove a pregnancy from the uterus. Early in pregnancy, suction or vacuum aspiration is used, while later procedures may require additional tools like a curette or forceps.
Medical Abortion Risks
During a medical abortion, it’s common to experience cramping in the stomach area and vaginal bleeding. Other possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, diarrhea, and headache.
Since medical abortion is only FDA-approved up to 10 weeks, taking the drugs beyond this point can increase health risks. Some potential complications include:
- 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 comes with risks such as:
- Infection
- Uterine perforation
- Cervical damage
- Scar tissue formation on the uterine wall
One potential complication is Asherman’s syndrome, a condition where scar tissue forms inside the uterus, leading to irregular or painful menstrual cycles and an increased risk of future miscarriage or infertility. In some cases, additional surgery may be needed to correct it.
Get No-Cost Pregnancy Services
These are just some of the risks involved with abortion. If you want to learn more, Alpha House Pregnancy Resource Center provides accurate information and free pregnancy services, including ultrasounds to confirm critical details that unlock your options.
We’re here to listen, support, and equip you with the facts you need to make an informed decision. Schedule a confidential appointment with us today.
*All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.