Abortion, like any medical procedure, carries potential risks and complications for the woman undergoing the process. Before deciding whether to proceed with an abortion, it’s crucial to be aware of these risks.
Risks of Abortion:
- Incomplete Abortion: In some cases, not all products of pregnancy are effectively removed during the abortion, leading to retained tissue. This can cause bleeding, cramping, or infection, necessitating further procedures to remove the remaining tissue.
- Infection: Infection can occur post-abortion as vaginal bacteria may enter the uterus, resulting in about 1 in 100 abortions. Early detection allows for oral antibiotic treatment, while severe cases may require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics.
- Excessive Bleeding: Less than 1 in 1000 abortions may experience excessive bleeding during or after the procedure, particularly if there’s a history of postpartum bleeding. Medications can often manage this complication.
- Failed Abortion: Rarely, the abortion procedure may fail to terminate the pregnancy, especially in women with a tipped uterus. Additional procedures may be necessary to complete the abortion.
- Bleeding Inside the Uterus: Hematometra, or bleeding within the uterus leading to blood collection, is a rare complication occurring in less than 1 in 1000 abortions.
- Uterine Injury: Surgical instruments used during abortion may accidentally puncture or injure the uterus, although this is rare. Small punctures may heal on their own, but significant injuries may require further treatment or surgery.
- Surgery & Anaesthetic Risks: Late-term abortions requiring general anesthesia carry risks associated with anesthesia and surgical procedures. This includes a heightened risk of deep vein thrombosis and blood clots, especially in women with underlying medical conditions.
It’s important to note that the risks are minimized when abortions are performed in the early stages of pregnancy. However, as the pregnancy progresses, the likelihood of serious complications increases, along with the risk of mortality associated with the abortion procedure. Therefore, understanding these risks and considering them carefully is essential when making decisions about abortion.