Considering abortion? Did you know this pregnancy option comes with risks to your physical and mental health? 

Knowledge is power. By learning all you can, you will become empowered to make the best decision for you.

Read on to learn more about the physical and mental health risks of abortion. (Looking for a safe space to talk and find no-cost pregnancy resources? We’re here.)

Physical Risks of Abortion 

Abortion comes in two types: medical and surgical. And each type comes with unique risks. 

Medical Abortion

Medical abortion, also known as the “abortion pill,” involves taking a combination of two powerful drugs. These drugs work together to terminate a pregnancy and expel it from the uterus via contractions.

The abortion drugs inherently cause vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. However, you might also experience the following risks: 

  • Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in your uterus
  • An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
  • Heavy and prolonged bleeding
  • Infection
  • Fever
  • Digestive system discomfort

The abortion drugs are only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is 10 weeks gestation or under—and taking them when your pregnancy is further along makes you more likely to experience a risk.

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion involves dilating your cervix so that medical instruments (like scraping tools, strong suction, and sometimes forceps) can enter your uterus to terminate and remove the pregnancy.

Physical risks of surgical abortion include:

  • Uterine or cervical damage or scarring
  • Infection
  • Perforation of the uterus

Mental Health Risks

While the mental health risks of abortion aren’t talked about as often—they can be just as devastating.

A study found that 81% of women who had an abortion were at an increased risk of mental health problems, including but not limited to substance abuse, depression, and anxiety.

Furthermore, if you feel at all pressured into getting an abortion, your risk for adverse mental health outcomes is greater. Another study by the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons found that almost 75% of women who had an abortion felt at least subtly pressured into making the decision, and many suffered psychological effects afterward, including but not limited to:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Shame
  • Regret
  • Self-hatred
  • Drug or alcohol addiction

Take Control of Your Health

Don’t rush into an abortion decision. Take control of your physical and mental health by taking the time you need to learn all you can about abortion and your other options.

At The Hope Clinic, we understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to walk alongside you.

Contact us today to schedule your no-cost, private appointment. 

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