What Are the Risks of Abortion?

There are many potential risks associated with abortion. It’s important to discuss your options and understand what those risks are. Different types of abortions can pose various factors of concern. 

Some adverse reactions to any abortion procedure include extreme bleeding, allergic reactions to medications utilized, infection, or incomplete abortion.

You will want to discuss risks thoroughly with a trusted physician or care center before making a decision.

Types of Abortions

The two types of abortion include medical abortion and surgical abortion. Each comes with serious risks.

• Medical Abortion is the removal of pregnancy tissue through a medication regimen.
• Surgical Abortion removes pregnancy tissue through an invasive procedure that utilizes instruments such as vacuum and suctioning techniques.

Medical Abortion Risks

Medical abortions risk factors, according to the Mayo Clinic, include:

• Incomplete abortion
• Extreme bleeding
• Infection of tissues
• Fever
• Gastrointestinal upset
• Anaphylactic reactions associated with medications used

Surgical Abortion Risks

Surgical abortion risk factors, according to the Cleveland Clinic, include:

• Injury to the cervical and uterus regions
• Extreme bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Scarring
• Incomplete abortion
• Allergic reactions to medications used

Risks Unique to You

While both medical and surgical abortion has risks, your unique health journey is essential to consider with a medical professional before an abortion. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, it’s important to have a medical professional evaluate your medical history and overall health, as well as:

• Confirm your pregnancy with a physical exam
• Do an ultrasound exam to date the pregnancy and check that it’s not outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy) and that a tumor has not that developed in the uterus (molar pregnancy)
• Do blood and urine tests
• Explain how the procedure works, the side effects, and possible risks and complications

At Life Center, we provide free and confidential pregnancy tests, ultrasound referrals, and options education so you can know the possible risks and complications.

Schedule a free appointment today to learn more about your pregnancy and options.