Consider the Risks of Abortion

 

Side effects may occur with induced abortion, whether surgical or by pill. These include abdominal pain and cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Abortion also carries the risk of significant complications such as bleeding, infection, and damage to organs.

Serious complications occur in less than 1 out of 100 early abortions and in about 1 out of every 50 later abortions. Complications may include:

 

Heavy Bleeding - Some bleeding after abortion is normal. However, if the cervix is torn or the uterus is punctured, there is a risk of severe bleeding known as hemorrhaging. When this happens, a blood transfusion may be required. Severe bleeding is also a risk with the use of RU486. One in 100 women who use RU486 require surgery to stop the bleeding. 

 

Infection - Infection can develop from the insertion of medical instruments into the uterus, or from fetal parts that are mistakenly left inside (known as an incomplete abortion).  A pelvic infection may lead to persistent fever over several days and extended hospitalization. It can also cause scarring of the pelvic organs. 

 

Incomplete Abortion - Some fetal parts may be mistakenly left inside after the abortion. Bleeding and infection may result. 

 

Sepsis - A number of RU486 or mifepristone users have died as a result of sepsis (total body infection). 

 

Anesthesia - Complications from general anesthesia used during abortion surgery may result in convulsions, heart attack, and in extreme cases, death.  It also increases the risk of other serious complications by two and a half times. 

 

Damage to the Cervix - The cervix may be cut, torn, or damaged by abortion instruments. This can cause excessive bleeding that requires surgical repair. 

 

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 may be required, including removal of the uterus (known as a hysterectomy). 

 

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 rare, but is real.

 

Consider Other Risks of Abortion

 

Abortion and Preterm Birth:

 

Women who undergo one or more induced abortions carry a significantly increased risk of delivering prematurely in the future. Premature delivery is associated with higher rates of cerebral palsy, as well as other complications of prematurity (brain, respiratory, bowel, and eye problems). 

 

Abortion and Breast Cancer: Medical experts are still researching and debating the linkage between abortion and breast cancer.

 

Here are some important facts:

 

Carrying your first pregnancy to full term gives protection against breast cancer.  Choosing abortion causes loss of that protection.

 

A number of reliable studies have concluded that there may be a link between abortion and

the later development of breast cancer.

 

A 1994 study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found: “Among women who had been pregnant at least once, the risk of breast cancer in those who had experienced an induced abortion

was 50% higher than among other women.”

 

Emotional and Psychological Impact: 

 

There is evidence that abortion is associated with a decrease in both emotional and physical health. For some women these negative emotions may be very strong, and can appear within days or after many years. This psychological response is a form of post-traumatic stress disorder.

 

Some of the symptoms are: 

 

• Eating disorders

• Relationship problems

• Guilt

• Depression

• Flashbacks of abortion

• Suicidal thoughts

• Sexual dysfunction

• Alcohol and drug abuse

• 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 may 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.

 

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