What Are the Risks of Abortion?

If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, you have three options: have an abortion, make an adoption plan, or choose to parent. Here at Lamb of God Maternity Homes, we provide a safe place for you to contemplate placing your child for adoption or parenting. But we also want you to have information about that third choice: abortion. 

Your health and safety are our highest concern. Although we will not refer you for an abortion, you should be aware of the various side effects and physical and emotional risks. Let’s look a little closer. 

Two Types of Abortion 

There are two types of abortion: medical and surgical. How far along you are in your pregnancy usually determines which type you qualify for, and each method has specific risks. 

Medical Abortion (aka the Abortion Pill Method)

The abortion pill method uses two drugs to terminate a pregnancy. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone. All pregnancies need progesterone to survive. Without it, the pregnancy ends.

The second drug, misoprostol, causes bleeding and contractions to expel the pregnancy and tissue from the body. The following are the risks the Mayo Clinic lists for a medical abortion:

• An incomplete abortion. This means the body did not release all the pregnancy tissue in the uterus. It may require a surgical procedure. 
• An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work.
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding.
• Infection.
• Fever. 
• Digestive symptoms such as an upset stomach. 

Surgical Abortion

There are various surgical procedures depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy. Abortion providers use suction or vacuum aspiration to remove early pregnancies. Later pregnancies require surgical instruments such as a scraping tool or forceps to remove larger parts.

The Mayo Clinic lists the following potential risks of a surgical abortion:

• Perforation (poking a hole) of the uterus.
• Damage to the cervix (which leads to the uterus).
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall.
• Infection.

Having an abortion can also affect a woman’s mental health. Many women say they feel relief immediately following the procedure, but some women begin struggling emotionally within days, months, or even years.

Emotions can range from a sense of loss to grief and depression. Every reason for an abortion is individual, and no one can predict how someone will respond. 

Safely Decide What’s Best For You

Lamb of God Maternity Homes provides the time and space to clearly determine the best next step for your future. We understand the seriousness of your decision and want to help you move forward confidently.

Contact us by filling out our online Contact Form or calling the Lamb of God Maternity Home nearest you. You are not alone. We’re here with you every step of the way. 

All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.