ABORTION  •  HEALTH RISKS

You have the rights to know all of your options and any other information that might affect your decision to have an abortion. Resist the pressure to make a quick decision. Take a few days to be sure that you understand the consequences of abortion and that you are willing and able to accept them. Our trained peer counselors are available to discuss all your options so that you are equipped to make an informed decision.

Physical Health Risks Associated with Abortion

Hemmorage
Sometimes women bleed during an abortion or a few days afterwards. With a medical abortion, bleeding lasts 13-15 days or more. Occasionally it is necessary to receive a transfusion to replace the lost blood. Sometimes a second curettage procedure or a hysterectomy is needed to stop the bleeding.

Infection
The uterus is susceptible to infection after an abortion especially if parts of the fetus or placenta are accidentally left inside of you. Infections are even more of a risk if you have Chlamydia or Gonorrhea. Symptoms are pain and fever. This is generally treated with antibiotics, but sometimes another curettage procedure must be used. If untreated, a very serious infection can develop and could result in infertility.

Perforation
Sometimes the tools of an abortion are accidentally pushed through the wall of the uterus during an abortion. If the instrument damages one of your internal organs, it may be necessary to do major surgery to repair the damage. This complication can cause extensive bleeding.

Effects on Later Pregnancy

Injury to the cervix may cause the early loss of future pregnancies. Scarring, which blocks your fallopian tubes, may also occur. This can keep you from becoming pregnant in the future. The risk of miscarriage in later pregnancies is higher if a woman has had two or more abortions.

Continued Pregnancy
The fetus may be growing in your fallopian tube rather than in your uterus. An abortion procedure would miss this. The continued growth of the fetus in your tube is dangerous and potentially fatal.

Breast Cancer
Twenty-seven worldwide studies have independently linked induced abortion with breast cancer. Abortion interrupts the natural process of breast development abruptly stopping cell growth, leaving the breast with extra cells that can become cancerous.

Death

Death has occurred after an abortion, although this is rare. When abortion is done after the first three months of pregnancy, the risk of death increases. The cause of death by abortion is usually from heavy bleeding or from complications with the drugs used for pain.

Emotional Health Risks Associated with Abortion

Some women and men experience an immediate feeling of relief following an abortion. Many find themselves later coping with feelings they did not expect such as:

• Sadness
• Sexual dysfunction
• Guilt
• Suicidal thoughts
• Increased drug and alcohol use
• Difficulty maintaining relationships

Please note, the information listed here is for educational purposes only. See a health care provider to diagnose pregnancy and discuss your risk. Our peer-counselors are here to help but are not a substitute for professional healthcare. If you are contemplating suicide, please call 911.

Community Pregnancy Centers provide peer counseling and accurate information on all pregnancy options; however we do not provide or refer for abortions.