No matter what outcome you’re considering for your unplanned pregnancy, having the facts is important. An abortion, whether through drugs or surgery, can have physical and emotional complications. At The Center for Women, we want you to know what to expect and help you prepare for your next step.
What Are the Physical Risks of Abortion?
Although we do not provide or refer for abortion, we can give you accurate information about the potential physical risks that might occur.
There are two types of abortion: medical, which uses drugs such as the abortion pill method, and surgical. The abortion provider chooses the method based on how far along you are in your pregnancy.
The Abortion Pill Method
Many women want this method because they think it is the easiest and safest. However, the FDA only approves these drugs through 10 weeks of pregnancy (70 days or less since the first day of a woman’s last period).
The Mayo Clinic suggests you shouldn’t attempt a medical abortion if you’ve been pregnant for over nine weeks. You risk severe health complications when using the abortion pill after the approved time.
Risks of the Abortion Pill Method
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Surgical Abortion Methods
Abortion is legal in North Carolina up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. Despite the FDA recommendations, abortion providers may still prescribe the abortion pill. If not, you will need to have a surgical procedure.
Once again, the particular surgical procedure is determined by how far along you are in your pregnancy. Surgeries range from vacuum aspiration, which sucks out the pregnancy, to adding a sharp scraping tool and forceps to remove larger tissue.
Risks of Surgical Abortion
According to the Mayo Clinic, you may experience any of the following surgical risks:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
What are the Emotional Risks of Abortion?
All abortions, no matter what method is used, have the potential for mental health complications. Every woman’s emotional strength is different. Many women say they feel relief immediately following the abortion, but women also say feelings of guilt, shame, or sadness begin days, months, or years later.
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, there is a definite relationship between abortion and mental health complications for at least some women. If you are struggling with anxiety or depression before, you most likely will be negatively affected afterward.
How Can The Center for Women Help Me?
At The Center for Women, you can safely discuss your situation and thoughts about abortion. We are not here to judge or coerce you into making a specific decision. We hope to provide you with information to make a confident, empowered decision.
Our services and your consultations are free and confidential. Please contact us to make an appointment. You do not have to face your future alone. We’re here for you.