When considering such a major decision as abortion, you deserve to understand all the risks to make a fully informed choice. There are both physical and emotional risks and side effects to abortion. Keep reading to learn what they are.
Physical Risks of Abortion
There are two main types of abortion: medical abortion and surgical abortion. Medical abortion consists of two different drugs to terminate pregnancy: mifepristone and misoprostol. These drugs may have major effects on the body, including risks like:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Digestive system discomfort
- Infection
- Fever
Surgical abortion is a surgical procedure where a medical provider dilates a woman’s cervix (the opening of the uterus) to expose the pregnancy. When it comes to surgical abortion, there is more than one type of surgical procedure done depending on the trimester a woman is in. They share the same risks, including:
- Uterine perforation
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Damage to the cervix
- Infection
The Emotional Side Effects of Abortion
Not only are there serious physical risks to abortion, but also emotional and mental side effects.
The National Library of Medicine shares that “…abortion is consistently associated with elevated rates of mental illness compared to women without a history of abortion.” The study concludes that “some women have significant mental health issues caused, triggered, aggravated, or complicated by their abortion experience.”
The Cleveland Clinic shares commonly experienced emotions, including:
- Stress
- Sadness
- Guilt
If you have questions about these risks, it’s important to get the clarity you need through a trusted physician or pregnancy center to get answers about the impact abortion has physically and emotionally.
Protect Your Health
To confirm your pregnancy health and your pregnancy options, seek pregnancy confirmation today. A positive test result is only an indication of pregnancy. To determine if your pregnancy is healthy and viable, confirm how far along you are, and be alerted of any possible complications, you will need an ultrasound.
We at Rockingham Pregnancy Care Center offer free and confidential medical-grade pregnancy testing to supportive peer counseling. If you do receive a positive pregnancy testing result, we provide free ultrasound referrals as well!
We’re here to walk with you, help answer your questions, and explain your options. Remember, you are not alone. Contact us to learn more.