Abortion is the act of terminating your pregnancy and removing it from your uterus. But did you know that abortion comes with risks to your mental and physical health?
If you’re considering abortion, it’s critical to learn all you can to ensure you make an informed decision for yourself.
How Does Abortion Work?
There are two types of abortion: medical (also known as the “abortion pill”) and surgical.
Medical abortion is only FDA-approved for use within the first ten weeks (70 days) of pregnancy. It involves taking two powerful drugs. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, causing the uterine lining to thin and the pregnancy to detach and end. The second drug, misoprostol, causes uterine contractions that expel the pregnancy from your uterus and out through your vagina.
Surgical abortion typically occurs later in pregnancy and is done in a clinic or hospital setting. It is an invasive procedure that involves dilating (opening) the cervix so that medical instruments can enter the uterus to terminate and remove the pregnancy. Strong suction and scraping tools are used earlier in pregnancy, but forceps may also be used later in pregnancy.
What Are the Physical Risks of Abortion?
Both types of abortion come with risks to your health. Risks are rare but potentially life-threatening complications.
After taking the medical abortion drugs, you will experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. Some women report that the pain they feel is unexpectedly severe.
The risks of medical abortion include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by a surgical procedure
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
The risks of surgical abortion include:
- Uterine perforation, which is when one of the surgical instruments pokes a hole in your uterus
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall, which can lead to painful periods or future infertility
- Damage to the cervix
- Infection
What Are the Mental Health Risks of Abortion?
Abortion also comes with mental health risks. According to a study looking at the link between abortion and mental health complications, it’s clear that “at least some women do have significant mental health issues that are caused, triggered, aggravated, or complicated by their abortion experience.”
Risk factors for experiencing a mental health complication after abortion include:
- Feeling pressured into an abortion
- Having conflicting maternal desires of moral beliefs
- Having pre-existing mental health conditions
How Can I Protect My Health?
No matter what pregnancy option you’re considering, it’s critical to learn all you can beforehand and not listen to other people’s opinions about what you should do. This way, you will ensure you make your own choice.
It’s also essential to get an ultrasound. This simple scan will give you the details you need to stay safe.
At Pregnancy and Family Life Center, we offer free, limited ultrasounds and provide a safe space to ask questions and explore your options.
Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential appointment. You’re not alone in this. We’re here for you.