Safety of Abortion

IS ABORTION SAFE?

In-clinic aspiration abortion procedures are very common and very safe. One in four women in the USA will have an abortion in their lifetime, and every one of those pregnancies also involves a man. Millions of people – men, women, and non-binary folks – have abortions and benefit from access to abortion care. Sometimes abortions are referred to as “surgical” abortions, but really there’s no “surgery”. There’s no incision or cutting; it’s just a simple, in-clinic procedure. Abortion is 14 times safer than childbirth. In terms of risk, abortion is similar to other gynecological services that take place in doctor’s offices every day.

Like any medical procedure, there are some risks. A few things can affect your risk level – your medical and pregnancy history, the gestation of your pregnancy, and if you have sedation or general anesthesia.

Serious complications are really rare, but can happen. These include:

the abortion doesn’t work and the pregnancy continues
some of the pregnancy tissue is left in your uterus
blood clots in your uterus
very heavy bleeding
infection
injury to your cervix, uterus or other organs
allergic reaction to medication

These problems are very rare, and they’re typically easy to treat. If the abortion doesn’t get all the pregnancy tissue out, you may need to have a repeat procedure — this is very uncommon.

In extreme cases, some complications can be very serious or even life-threatening. Call our clinic right away if you have:

heavy bleeding from your vagina that soaks through more than 2 maxi pads in an hour, for 2 or more hours in a row
severe pain or discomfort that medication doesn’t help
a fever of 100.4℉ or higher

If you have bad smelling discharge from your vagina, call to make an appointment. If you have any questions or concerns, you can always call us. We have staff on call 24/7.

DOES ABORTION HAVE LONG-TERM SIDE EFFECTS?

In-clinic abortion procedures are common and effective, and millions of people have gotten these abortions safely. There are lots of myths about the effects of an abortion. But here are some facts:

Unless there is a rare serious complication that was left untreated, there is no risk to future pregnancies or overall health.
Abortions don’t increase a risk of breast cancer.
Abortions do not affect fertility.
Having an abortion will not cause problems for future pregnancies like birth defects, miscarriage, infant death, etopic pregnancy, premature birth or low birth weight.

Serious, long-term emotional problems after an abortion are also extremely rare. Mental health challenges post abortion happen more often for people who may already struggle with mental health issues or for people who terminate a wanted pregnancy. If you’re struggling, please don’t hesitate to call.

Our providers can give you accurate information about in-clinic abortion side effects, risks, or any other concerns you might have.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE RISKS OF TAKING THE ABORTION PILL?

Medication abortion has been used safely in the U.S. for more than 20 years. Serious complications are really rare, but can happen. Keep in mind that abortion at any gestation by any method is safer than giving birth.

Complications can include:

the abortion pills don’t work and the pregnancy doesn’t end
some of the pregnancy tissue is left in your uterus
blood clots in your uterus
bleeding too much or too long
infection
allergic reaction to one of the medicines

These problems aren’t common. If they do happen, they’re usually easy to take care of with medication or other treatments.

In extremely rare cases, some complications can be very serious or even life threatening. Call us right away if you:

have no bleeding within 24 hours after taking the second medicine (misoprostol)
have heavy bleeding from your vagina that soaks through more than 2 maxi pads in an hour, for 2 or more hours in a row
pass large clots (bigger than a lemon) for more than 2 hours
have belly pain or cramps that don’t get better with pain medication
have a fever of 100.4℉ or higher more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol
have weakness, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol

You should start to feel better the day after your pregnancy passes. Feeling sick with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain, or a fever for more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol (the second set of pills) can be a sign of infection. Call us if you have any of those symptoms. Serious problems can cause death in the most rare cases, but abortion is typically very safe. In fact, abortion is 14 times safer than childbirth.

If you have complications during your medication abortion, you will need to return to our clinic. In the unlikely event that you are still pregnant, your provider will discuss your options with you. You may need another dose of medication or to have an in-clinic abortion procedure to end the pregnancy.

Like all medications, the abortion pill isn’t right for everyone. If you have certain medical conditions or take certain medications, the abortion pill may not be right for you. Our provider will help you decide if the abortion pill is the right option for you.

DOES THE ABORTION PILL HAVE LONG-TERM SIDE EFFECTS?

The abortion pill is safe and effective. It’s a very common way to have an abortion, and millions of people have used it safely.

There are lots of myths about the effects of an abortion. But here are some facts:

Unless there is a rare serious complication that was left untreated, there is no risk to future pregnancies or overall health.
Abortions don’t increase a risk of breast cancer.
Abortions do not affect fertility.
Having an abortion will not cause problems for future pregnancies like birth defects, miscarriage, infant death, etopic pregnancy, premature birth or low birth weight.

Our providers can give you accurate information about in-clinic abortion side effects, risks, or any other concerns you might have.