Immediate Physical Risks of Abortion

Some side effects may occur with induced abortion. These include abdominal pain and cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In most abortions, no serious physical complications occur. However, complications may happen in as many as 1 out of every 100 early abortions and in about 1 out of every 50 later abortions. Such complications may include:

Heavy Bleeding - Some bleeding after abortion is normal. There is, however, a risk of hemorrhage, especially if the uterine artery is torn. When this happens, a blood transfusion may be required.

Infection - Bacteria may get into the uterus from an incomplete abortion resulting in infection. A serious infection may lead to persistent fever over several days and extended hospitalization.

Incomplete Abortion - Some fetal parts may not be removed by the abortion. Bleeding and infection may occur. RU486 may fail in up to 1 out of every 20 cases.

Allergic Reaction to Drugs - An allergic reaction to anesthesia used during abortion surgery may result in convulsions, heart attack and, in extreme cases, death.

Tearing of the Cervix - The cervix may be cut or torn by abortion instruments.

Scarring of the Uterine Lining - Suction tubing, curettes, and other abortion instruments may cause permanent scarring of the uterine lining.

Perforation of the Uterus - The uterus may be punctured or torn by abortion instruments. The risk of this complication increases with the length of the pregnancy. If this occurs, major surgery, including a hysterectomy, may be required.

Damage to Internal Organs - When the uterus is punctured or torn, there is also a risk that damage will occur to nearby organs such as the bowel and bladder.

Death - In extreme cases, other physical complications from abortion including excessive bleeding, infection, organ damage from a perforated uterus, and adverse reactions to anesthesia may lead to death. This complication is very rare and occurs, on average, in less than 20 cases per year.

Abortion and Breast Cancer

1.      Carrying a pregnancy to full term gives protection against breast cancer that cannot be gained if abortion is chosen.

2.      Abortion causes a sudden drop in estrogen levels that may make breast cells more susceptible to cancer.

3.      Most studies conducted so far show a significant linkage between abortion and breast cancer.

Post-Abortion Stress Symptoms

• Guilt
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Suicidal Thoughts
• Anniversary Grief
• Flashbacks of Abortion
• Sexual Dysfunction
• Relationship Problems
• Promiscuity
• Eating Disorders
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse
• Psychological Reaction

Information on abortion & abortion procedures

Abortion is not just a simple medical procedure.  For many women, it is a life-changing event with physical, emotional and spiritual consequences.  Most women who struggle with past abortions say that they wish they had been told all of the facts about abortion.  Abortion is a permanent solution to temporary problem, pregnancy.  Consequences always follow actions.  Get all the facts.  Empower yourself - It's your future!

The following are different types of abortions and the corresponding times these procedures are normally used.

Morning After Pill (MAP)

Taken within 72 hours of sexual intercourse

Also known as "Emergency Contraception," this procedure consists of a pregnancy test and two doses of pills. The woman first must take a pregnancy test and receive a negative test result before taking the pills. If a negative test result occurs from the pregnancy test, then the woman is instructed to take the first dose of the MAP. Note: a negative result indicates that the woman is probably not pregnant from intercourse during her previous monthly cycle, but it will not show whether or not she just became pregnant (from intercourse the "night before"). She is instructed to take this first dose as soon as possible, but not more than 72 hours after intercourse. The woman takes a second dose 12 hours after the first dose. If conception already occurred within the 72 hour time frame (that is the "night before"), the life is expelled. This is an early abortion.

RU486, Mifepristone

Given within 4 to 7 weeks after LMP (Last Menstrual Period)

Also known as the Abortion Pill, this medical abortion is used for women who are within 28 to 49 days after their last menstrual period. This procedure usually requires three office visits. The RU 486 or mifepristone pills are given to the woman who returns two days later for a second medication called misoprostol. The combination of these medications causes the uterus to expel the fetus.

Early Vacuum Aspiration

Performed within 7 weeks after LMP

This surgical abortion is done early in the pregnancy up until 7 weeks after the woman's last menstrual period. The cervical muscle is stretched with dilators (metal rods) until the opening is wide enough to allow the abortion instruments to pass into the uterus. A hand held syringe is attached to tubing that is inserted into the uterus and the fetus is suctioned out.

Suction Curettage

Performed within 6 to 14 weeks after LMP

In this procedure, the doctor opens the cervix with a dilator (a metal rod) or laminaria (thin sticks derived from plants and inserted several hours before the procedure). The doctor inserts tubing into the uterus and connects the tubing to a suction machine. The suction pulls the fetus' body apart and out of the uterus. One variation of this procedure is called Dilation and Curettage (D&C). In this method, the doctor may use a curette, a loop-shaped knife, to scrape the fetal parts out of the uterus.

Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)

Performed within 13 to 24 weeks after LMP

This surgical abortion is done during the second trimester of pregnancy. Because the developing fetus doubles in size between the thirteenth and fourteenth weeks of pregnancy, the body of the fetus is too large to be broken up by suction and will not pass through the suction tubing. In this procedure, the cervix must be opened wider than in a first trimester abortion. This is done by inserting laminaria a day or two before the abortion. After opening the cervix, the doctor pulls out the fetal parts with forceps. The fetus' skull is crushed to ease removal.

Dilation and Extraction (D&X)

Performed from 20 weeks after LMP to full-term

Also known as Partial-birth Abortion, this procedure takes three days. During the first two days, the cervix is dilated and medication is given for cramping. On the third day, the woman receives medication to start labor. After labor begins, the abortion doctor uses ultrasound to locate the baby's legs. Grasping a leg with forceps, the doctor delivers the baby up to the baby's head. Next, scissors are inserted into the base of the skull to create an opening. A suction catheter is placed into the opening to remove the skull contents. The skull collapses and the baby is removed.

Psychological Risks

A survey of some women who had abortions found the following information:

• 28% attempted suicide.
• 31% experienced suicidal feelings.
• 60% commented that the decision to abort made their lives worse.
• 94% regretted the decision to abort.

It is necessary to not only consider the medical risk involved with abortion, but also the equally damaging psychological and emotional risks.  symptoms range from mild depression to suicidal tendencies, along with drug and alcohol addictions.  Extreme feelings of guilt are common, along with anxiety and flashbacks to the abortion.  It is important to look beyond the present and think about how you will remember your decision months or even years from now and what effect your decision will have on your life in the future.

Emotional Impact

Some women experience strong negative emotions after abortion. Sometimes this occurs within days and sometimes it happens after many years. This psychological response is known as Post-Abortion Stress (PAS). Several factors that impact the likelihood of Post-Abortion Stress include: the woman's age, the abortion circumstances, the stage of pregnancy at which the abortion occurs, and the woman's religious beliefs.

Spiritual Consequences

People have different understandings of God. Whatever your present beliefs may be, there is a spiritual side to abortion that deserves to be considered. Having an abortion will affect more than just your body and your mind -- it may have an impact on your relationship with God. What is God's desire for you in this situation? How does God see your unborn child? These are important questions to consider.

Explore Your Options

You have the legal right to choose the outcome of your pregnancy. But real empowerment comes when you find the resources and inner strength necessary to make your best choice. Here are some other options.

Parenting

Choosing to continue your pregnancy and to parent is very challenging. But with the support of caring people, parenting classes, and other resources, many women find the help they need to make this choice.

Adoption

You may decide to place your child for adoption. Each year over 50,000 women in America make this choice. This loving and heroic decision is often made by women who first thought abortion was their only way out.

Help Is Available

Facing an unexpected pregnancy can seem overwhelming. That is why knowing where to go for help is important. Talk to someone you can trust - your partner, your parents, a pastor, a priest or perhaps a good friend.  Also, the staff at The Hannah Medical Center are available to help you through this difficult time.  Give them a call at 1-866-74WOMEN.

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