What are the Risks of Abortion?

If you are exploring the possibility of an abortion, it’s important to understand the different types of  risks associated with each type of procedure. We value your health and safety and want to help you make the most informed decision. Abortion comes with many well known risks. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the most common risks are: infection, fever, and an incomplete abortion. 

We share this so you can make the most informed decision for yourself from a physical, emotional, and psychological standpoint. Abortion is a big decision and we are here to help you make the best decision for your reproductive health. 

What Are the Risks of the Abortion Pill?

A medical abortion is FDA-approved up to 10-weeks (70 days) gestational age. It is a regimen of two different drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. 

Mifepristone works to end fetal development by blocking the essential hormone, progesterone. When the pregnancy cannot receive the hormone, it ends fetal development. 24-48 hours later, misoprostol is taken to force uterine cramping to expel the pregnancy remnants. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, potential risks of a medication abortion include:

• Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort

According to a study conducted on almost 5,000 induced abortions, an incomplete abortion was the most common complication related to medical abortions greater than twelve weeks. 10.2% of the participants who underwent a medical abortion went on experience an incomplete abortion. 

In rare instances, but still important to consider, is the possibility of septic shock that can occur with an abortion. Even with today’s advanced abortion methods, it’s important to consider the different possible risks an abortion can pose to your health.

What Are the Risks of a Surgical Abortion?

A surgical abortion requires an in-person visit for a doctor to operate and remove the pregnancy. If it occurs during the first trimester, a suction process is typically used, but if it is in the second trimester (14 to 23 weeks) then a process called dilation and evacuation is used.

Risks of surgical abortion may include the following:

• Internal damage from one of the surgical instruments
• Excessive bleeding that gets worse instead of better
• Infection
• Scarring
• Reaction to the medicines or anesthesia used
• Not removing all of the tissue, requiring another procedure (also known as incomplete abortion)

Before Scheduling An Abortion

Now that you’ve been informed of the risks that are possible with each procedure, another way to make an informed decision is by contacting us to schedule your health screening. A health screening in our safe, confidential environment can help you make the best decision and rule out any potential risks to your health.

At our center, we offer no-cost ultrasounds where these scans can help determine the age, location, and viability of the pregnancy. These are all important details to know to understand the current state and health of your pregnancy that may affect your abortion eligibility. 

Our staff here at Care Net of Paradise  provide evidenced-based education so that you can make the best decision for you and your reproductive health. Contact us today to make your appointment!