What Are the Risks of Abortion?

Different Types of Abortions Involve Different Risks. Read On to Learn The Risks Associated With Different Procedures.

The Risks of Surgical Abortion

Surgical Abortions Are Often Safe but Do Involve Significant Risks:

 

Perforation of The Uterus

 

This happens when an instrument punctures a hole in the uterine wall. Depending on the damage, another procedure may be needed to repair the perforation.

 

Damage to the Cervix.

 

It is possible that the instruments used in a D&E abortion tear or lacerate the cervix.

 

Scar Tissue on The Uterine Wall.

 

Otherwise known as Asherman’s Syndrome. It is uncommon but if it does occur, it can cause abnormal or painful cycles, future miscarriages or infertility.

 

Infection.

Again, infection is uncommon but possible. It may require hospitalization. Check with your doctor if you experience fever, abdominal pain, or foul-smelling vagina, discharge.

 

Hemorrhaging.

 

Excessive bleeding may require a blood transfusion or hospitalization.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following after a D&E:

  • Bleeding that's heavy enough that you need to change pads every hour,

  • Fever,

  • Cramps lasting more than 48 hours,

  • Pain that gets worse instead of better, or;

  • Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina.

(Mayo Clinic Staff, 2019; Gotter, 2016)

 
 
Additional References: 
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/surgery/abortion-surgical#:~:text=Risks%20of%20surgical%20abortion%20include,Excessive%20bleeding (Mount Sinai, 2022).  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430793/ (Sajadi-Ernazarova & Martinez, 2023)
’If You Are Pregnant: Information on Fetal Development, Abortion and Resources’ Minnesota Department of Health, 2022
 

The Risks of Medical Abortion (Abortion Pill)

 

Common Side Effects.

 

The most common side-effects from the abortion pill include gastrointestinal discomfort, excessive bleeding, fever, abdominal pain.

 

Serious Complications.

 

These occur less often but they are possible. These complications include: Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion, heavy and prolonged bleeding, infection, hemorrhage, or, fetal sepsis (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2018)