Facing an unplanned pregnancy is a scenario no woman desires, and the decision to terminate a pregnancy is not one taken lightly by most. The choice to have an abortion is often seen as a straightforward solution to a complex problem. This two-part blog series aims to delve into the possible negative physical impacts of abortion (you can view the first article about Emotional Effects here), providing a comprehensive understanding of its consequences.

 Understanding Abortion: Physical Impacts
Abortions are generally categorized into two types, based on the pregnancy stage.

Medical Abortion (Abortion Pill, RU-486)
The abortion pill, administered in clinics, works by inhibiting pregnancy-supporting hormones. It’s effective only in the early stages of pregnancy. Manufacturers suggest three follow-up clinic visits, though many clinics consolidate these, leaving women to deal with potential cramping and bleeding at home, often without medical support. This can lead to anxiety over whether the level of bleeding is normal. Surgery is sometimes required to halt bleeding, and there have been instances of medication failing to terminate the pregnancy, necessitating further procedures. (See Pregnancy Help News)

 Surgical Abortion Procedures
Surgical abortions vary by pregnancy stage but generally involve dilating the cervix, which is naturally closed except during childbirth. This process can include suction and scraping of the uterine lining, and the use of forceps and other instruments. The procedures can be distressing, especially as they often only use local anesthesia, leaving the woman awake.

Physical Risks Associated with Abortion

Excessive Bleeding:
Excessive bleeding is a frequent complication following an abortion, with uterine cramping being a normal response to the procedure. The uterus naturally attempts to halt bleeding by contracting and closing off the blood vessels. However, retained tissue from the fetus or placenta can prevent the uterus from fully contracting, leading to continued bleeding, a situation referred to as an incomplete abortion. Removal of the retained tissue usually results in the cessation of bleeding. In some cases, bleeding may result from a laceration in the cervix, necessitating suturing to stop the bleed. Other possible causes for excessive bleeding include accidental damage to a significant blood vessel during the procedure or the uterus’s inability to contract effectively post-abortion.

Abdominal Pain and Cramping:
This issue may also arise during the procedure itself, as the majority of abortion clinics employ only local anesthesia, meaning the patient remains conscious throughout the process.

Infection:
Infections can develop when bacteria from the vaginal region enter the uterus through an open cervix or when bacteria infiltrate the bloodstream. Additionally, the use of equipment that has not been fully sterilized can lead to infections. Notably, abortion clinics do not undergo the same level of regulatory scrutiny by public health officials as hospitals and other medical clinics do, though there are proposals in some states for regular inspections of these facilities. Infections can potentially impact fertility, making it difficult to conceive in the future. In more serious instances, infections can pose a life-threatening risk.

Cervical Damage:
The abortion procedure necessitates the dilation of the cervix, often requiring significant force. This process can lead to cervical damage, particularly in younger women, potentially affecting the cervix’s ability to remain sufficiently closed in future pregnancies. Such damage could increase the risk of miscarriages and the likelihood of giving birth to premature babies.

Uterine Scarring:
Scarring of the uterus, resulting from the scraping and the insertion of instruments during the procedure, can impair the ability to successfully implant a fertilized egg in subsequent pregnancies. The action of scraping the uterine walls might inadvertently cause perforations, necessitating a hysterectomy, which is the surgical removal of the uterus. In severe cases, this situation can escalate to peritonitis, a potentially life-threatening condition.

These are a sampling of possible negative physical effects that can come about from an abortion. Women considering an abortion should be fully informed of the risks and know where to seek help if complications arise. It’s crucial to understand not just the immediate but also the long-term physical implications of undergoing an abortion.

Before you make a decision, it’s important to visit with a medical professional who will give you all of the facts so that you can make a decision that is best for you – both for now and your future.

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