What Are the Risks of Abortion?
Understanding the potential risks of abortion is crucial when considering your options for an unexpected pregnancy. Like any medical procedure, abortion carries physical risks and side effects, which can vary depending on the type of abortion performed. Being informed can help you make the best decision for your health and circumstances.
If you’re unsure about your next steps, Elevate Women’s Center is here to help. We offer medical-grade pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, and information about your options at no cost to you so you can feel fully supported and informed.
Types of Abortion
There are two main types of abortion, and each carries its own risks:
- Medical Abortion: Often called “the abortion pill,” this method uses two drugs to terminate a pregnancy and is typically done at home during the early stages of pregnancy (up to 10 weeks gestation).
- Surgical Abortion: This procedure involves the use of a combination of suction, surgical instruments, or drugs to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. It is performed at an abortion clinic or hospital and is generally used for pregnancies beyond 10 weeks.
Medical Abortion Risks
Medical abortion commonly results in abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. Additional side effects may include nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, diarrhea, and headaches. Risks associated with this method include:
- The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue in the uterus, also called an incomplete abortion. This may require surgical abortion.
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work.
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding.
- Infection.
- Fever.
- Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach.
Surgical Abortion Risks
Surgical abortion shares similar side effects with medical abortion but includes its own set of risks, such as:
- Uterine perforation.
- Damage to the cervix.
- Infection.
- Scar tissue formation, which can lead to Asherman’s Syndrome—causing irregular periods, infertility, or a higher risk of future miscarriages.
Get Informed
These risks highlight the importance of being fully informed before making a decision. At Elevate Women’s Center, we provide compassionate care and no-cost pregnancy services, including limited ultrasounds to confirm gestational age, pregnancy location, and viability.
Schedule a confidential appointment with us today. Our caring team is here to provide you with the information and support you need. Let us be here for you during this challenging time.
Pre-Abortion Screening
After finding out that you are pregnant, you may be considering an abortion. Regardless of whether you are wanting a medical or surgical abortion
Pregnancy Testing
Wondering if you might be pregnant? The first step to understanding your pregnancy options is by confirming your pregnancy with a lab-quality pregnancy test.
Ultrasounds
Ultrasound scans identify critical health details about your pregnancy so you can protect your health and know your options.
Pre-Abortion Screening
After finding out that you are pregnant, you may be considering an abortion. Regardless of whether you are wanting a medical or surgical abortion
Pregnancy Testing
Wondering if you might be pregnant? The first step to understanding your pregnancy options is by confirming your pregnancy with a lab-quality pregnancy test.
Ultrasounds
Ultrasound scans identify critical health details about your pregnancy so you can protect your health and know your options.
