Is Abortion Safe? | The Facts
If you are considering an abortion, one of the most important questions you may have is: Is abortion safe?
Understanding the facts can help separate medical evidence from the myths and misinformation that often surround abortion care.
In this article, we will look at how safe abortion is, the possible risks and side effects, the signs of a complication, and when to seek medical attention so you can make a more informed decision about your health.
How Safe Is The Abortion Pill?
The Abortion Pill procedure is extremely safe. The chance of complications and side effects in our Physician’s hands is less than 1%. The chance of having to be hospitalized is less than 0.1%.
Cramping and vaginal bleeding are expected during a medication abortion because the uterus must contract and empty the pregnancy.
Other temporary side effects may include:
- Lower abdominal or pelvic cramping
- Heavy vaginal bleeding and blood clots
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Lower back discomfort
- Chills or shivering
- Temporary fever or feeling warm
These effects are more commonly associated with misoprostol and usually improve as the abortion process is completed.
Bleeding is often heavier than a normal menstrual period during the most active part of the process. Lighter bleeding or spotting may continue afterward.
What Are the Possible Risks of the Abortion Pill?
Although medication abortion has a strong safety record, complications can occasionally occur.
Possible complications include:
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Incomplete abortion, when some pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus
- Ongoing pregnancy, if the medications do not completely end the pregnancy
- Infection
- The need for additional medication
- The need for an aspiration or another procedure to complete the abortion
- Rarely, severe bleeding requiring a blood transfusion
- Rarely, a serious infection requiring hospital treatment
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), fewer than 1% of patients undergoing early medication abortion require emergency intervention for excessive bleeding, and blood transfusion is needed in approximately 0.1% or fewer of cases.
Major complications include the requirement for a blood transfusion or admission to the hospital to treat a severe infection. The incidence of a severe infection is no greater than a woman having a C-Section or a spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) in the first trimester of pregnancy.
At the Women’s Center’s, we have Physician’s who have been performing the medical abortion since 1990. This makes our experience with using the medical abortion method one of the longest in the United States.
The Women’s Center’s were one of the first Abortion Clinics to perform abortions from 3 to 24 weeks using the medical abortion pill method in the United States.
The Abortion Pill Process can be started and completed in patients who are 13 to 24 weeks or further in 24 hours or less over 99% of the time without the requirement of surgical instruments.
How Safe is The Surgical Abortion Procedure?
The surgical abortion procedure performed from approximately 3 to 24 weeks of pregnancy is generally considered a safe medical procedure when performed by experienced healthcare professionals using appropriate techniques and clinical safeguards.
At the Women’s Center, patient safety is a priority throughout every stage of the procedure. We are proud of our safety record and take additional precautions designed to reduce the risk of complications.
We use sterilized surgical instruments as well as sterile, single-use disposable uterine curettes when appropriate.
Ultrasound examinations are performed before the procedure to confirm the location and gestational age of the pregnancy.
Depending on the individual patient’s circumstances, ultrasound may also be used during or after the procedure to help confirm that the procedure is complete.
Patients who return for follow-up and continue to have a positive pregnancy test may also receive an ultrasound when medically indicated.
Pregnancy hormones do not disappear immediately following an abortion, so a pregnancy test may remain positive for several weeks afterward.
Common Side Effects After a Surgical Abortion
Even when a surgical abortion is uncomplicated, temporary side effects are common. These may include:
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Abdominal or pelvic cramping
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Breast tenderness
- Temporary emotional or hormonal changes
Cramping and bleeding usually decrease as the body recovers, although spotting may continue for a period of time.
If sedation or anesthesia is used, patients may also temporarily experience sleepiness, nausea, dizziness, or reduced coordination.
Possible Risks and Complications of Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion has a strong safety record, but no medical procedure is completely without risk. Potential complications can include:
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Pregnancy tissue remaining in the uterus, sometimes called an incomplete abortion
- Ongoing pregnancy, which is uncommon
- Injury to the cervix
- Injury or perforation of the uterus
- Reactions or complications related to medications, sedation, or anesthesia
- The need for an additional procedure if the abortion is incomplete or bleeding continues
When Should You Contact a Healthcare Provider?
The likelihood of complications can vary according to factors such as gestational age, medical history, the type of procedure performed, and the patient’s individual circumstances.
Patients should follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by their healthcare team and contact a medical professional if they develop symptoms that are severe, persistent, or significantly different from what they were told to expect.
Prompt medical evaluation is particularly important if there is very heavy bleeding, severe or worsening abdominal pain, persistent fever, fainting, or other concerning symptoms.
Overall, surgical and medical abortions are considered safe and well-established forms of medical care when the appropriate method is selected based on the stage of pregnancy and the procedure is performed by trained healthcare professionals following recommended clinical practices.
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