What Are The Risks of Abortion?

March 29, 2024

There is no surgical procedure or medication that does not involve some risks. As proof, listen to the long list of side effects at the end of every new drug commercial. 

The same is true for abortion. Whether it is a medical abortion or a surgical procedure, there are risks.

Before you consider abortion, it’s essential to confirm your pregnancy. The experienced medical team at Darke County Pregnancy Help Center can confirm your pregnancy with free pregnancy testing and an ultrasound.

What are the risks of abortion? Let’s break it down by procedure:

1. Medical Abortion

The “so-called” abortion pill method is a medical abortion because it uses two drugs to terminate a pregnancy. Mifepristone blocks progesterone needed for fetal growth, and misoprostol (taken hours or days later) causes cramping to expel the uterine contents. 

The FDA approves the drug through ten weeks of pregnancy only (70 days after the first day of the last menstrual period). Restrictions are in place for the protection of the patient. 

Also, the pregnancy should be growing inside the uterus (not an ectopic pregnancy).

Risks of a medical abortion include heavy and prolonged bleeding, incomplete abortion, an ongoing pregnancy, digestive system discomfort, fever, and infection. There is also a risk that some of the fetal tissue may remain inside the body, which may result in a surgical procedure. 

When you make an appointment at Darke County Pregnancy Help Center, we can provide an ultrasound to assure you of how far along you are. We can also ensure your pregnancy is located correctly in the uterus. 

2. Surgical Abortion

Abortion providers perform surgical abortions by opening (dilating) the cervix and either using suction or a surgical instrument to empty the uterus. 

Risks include perforation of the uterus, damage to the cervix, scar tissue, and infection. 

How We Can Assist You

If you think you are pregnant, we can give you the information, help, and support you need. 

If you would like to confirm your pregnancy, talk about your options, including abortion, or find out more about our free services, contact us today. We’re here for you.