Abortion Risks
Surgical Abortions
Abortion isn't necessarily as "safe and easy" as many make it out to be. Here
is a list of the risks of abortion--surgical and chemical.
Future Ectopic Pregnancies
Studies point out that the risk of an ectopic or tubal (not in the uterus but
in the tubes that lead to the uterus) pregnancy is 30% higher for women who
have had one abortion,
and up to 4 times higher for women with 2 or more abortions.
When a woman has an ectopic pregnancy she has a 12% risk of dying in a future
pregnancy.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
-
5% of women suffer PID following induced [or surgical] abortion. PID can lead
to fever and infertility [not being able to become pregnant again]
-
There is a 23% risk of infection if you have an STD [Sexually Transmitted
Disease]
-
40% of the sexually active are suspected carriers of STDs
Breast Cancer
Reputable studies suggest that women who abort face a 50% increase in breast
cancer. If the woman has a family history of breast cancer, this rate doubles
with each successive abortion,
if the woman is under 18 or over 30 years of age when the abortion takes place.
Placenta Previa
Placenta previa is a condition in pregnancy where the sac holding the baby [the
placenta] tears away from the uterine lining.
This can result in extreme and severe life-threatening bleeding.
Women who have experienced abortion have a 600% increase in their risk of
placenta previa in future pregnancies.
Infertility
Infertility and sterility mean that a woman cannot get pregnant. Abortion
causes sterility in 2-5% of the women who have had an abortion.
Psychological/Emotional Trauma
50% of women who have had abortions report experiencing emotional and
psychological problems lasting for months or years. These emotions include, but
aren't limited to :
-
acute feelings of grief
-
depression
-
anger
-
fear of disclosure
-
preoccupation with babies or getting pregnant again
-
nightmares
-
sexual dysfunction
-
termination of relationships
-
emotional coldness
-
increased alcohol and drug abuse
-
eating disorders
-
anxiety
-
flashbacks of abortion experience
-
anniversary syndrome
-
repeat abortions
-
suicide
Many of these women go on to report they regret their choice and would do
anything to go back and undo the decision that resulted in so much pain.
Medical or Chemical abortion
Morning After Pill [MAP] or Emergency Contraception Pill [ECP]
If taken within 72 hours of intercourse it prevents pregnancy 75% of the time.
Medical problems would be similar to birth control pills, however, effects
could be more pronounced.
Methotrexate or RU 486--side effects
-
nausea
-
pain
-
diarrhea
-
bone marrow depression
-
anemia
-
liver damage
-
lung disease
-
heavy bleeding for as long as 40 days
-
abortion can occur anywhere
-
may not work and a surgical abortion may still be required
Psychological/Emotional Trauma for RU 486
In addition to the risks listed above, women having chemical abortions often
see the complete tiny bodies of their unborn child and are even able to see the child's
developing hands, feet, eyes, etc.
Abortion Health Risks
Pain
When asked if the abortion was painful, most women say, "YES." The amount of
pain varies from little to excruciating.
Hemorrhage
Heavy bleeding is the most common side effect after abortion. Sometimes
hospitalization is required to stop the bleeding and replace lost blood.
Infection
Infection may follow an abortion because the sterile seal protecting the uterus
is broken.
Perforation
Sometimes an abortion instrument accidentally stabs a hole through the uterus.
This instrument can also damage one of the organs surrounding the uterus. In some
cases, surgery is the only way to repair the damage.
Tubal Pregnancy
Sometimes the fetus grows in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. An
abortion would not remove the fetus from the fallopian tube and the fetus would
continue to grow.
Effect on Future Pregnancies
Injury to the cervix during abortion may result in an early loss of a future
pregnancy. The risk of future miscarriage increases with each abortion.
Emotional and Spiritual Risks
When the initial relief of the abortion passes, many women suffer from
unexpected emotional distress including:
-
acute feelings of grief or sadness
-
shame
-
anger
-
guilt
-
hallucinations and/or nightmares
-
sexual dysfunction
-
difficulty keeping close relationships
-
flashbacks of abortion experience
-
anniversary reactions [on date of abortion or baby's due date]
-
feelings of separation from God
-
suicidal thoughts
Many of these women go on to report they regret their choice and would do
anything to go back and undo the decision that resulted in so much pain.
Death
Very rarely death occurs after an abortion. The risk of death increases after
the first 3 months. The cause of death is heavy bleeding or complications with
abortion medications.
The health risks of abortion increase with each continuing week of pregnancy.
Be sure to ask the facility where you have an abortion the following questions:
Will this facility treat for complications. If not, where should I call?
At what hospitals do you have privileges?
If you are considering abortion because of your circumstances, know that you
can change your situation. If you aren't sure about this choice, take time to
find out why you have these feelings.
PCC is here to help you in any situation regardless of your decision.
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