What are the Health Risks of Abortion?

Abortion is a medical procedure with a variety of health risks. These risks include heavy bleeding and infection, along with possible impaired fertility, and increased breast cancer risk. Women who have abortions may also be at risk for some psychological and emotional difficulties.

Severe bleeding or hemorrhaging from the vagina is one of the most common health risks of abortion. Though some bleeding is expected after an abortion, bleeding is considered heavy if it soaks through one or more sanitary napkins in an hour. Sometimes it will last for a week or two, but in some cases, it could continue for a month or longer. In severe cases, a blood transfusion is necessary, or surgery is required to repair damage. One of the most common causes of hemorrhaging is an internal perforation, or tear.

Although perforations of internal organs by surgical tools are not common, this complication occurs in a small percentage of women who have an abortion. It often occurs when the procedure is either performed by an unskilled surgeon, or when it is performed too quickly. Perforation of the uterus, bowels, or bladder during an abortion procedure can lead to other health risks of abortion, including infection.

Infection is also one of the most commonly recognized health risks of abortion. Doctors often prescribe antibiotics after an abortion to prevent this. Infections after an abortion rarely lead to death, but the can lead to some other serious complications. Some research also suggests these types of infections can impact a woman's ability to get pregnant or carry pregnancies to term in the future.

A number of studies have researched whether abortion affects a woman's ability to have children in the future. Sometimes a post-abortion infection can cause scar tissue to form on the uterine wall or in the fallopian tubes. This can cause miscarriages, or interfere with a woman's ability to conceive.

Many researchers also believe that breast cancer is another possible health risks of abortion. This does not mean that an abortion will cause breast cancer. These studies have shown, however, that women who have had at least one abortion are at a higher risk of developing the disease.

Along with physical health risks, there are also a number of psychological health risks of abortion. The hormone levels fluctuating in a woman's body, and the emotional and physical trauma she undergoes before, during, and after an abortion can cause a woman emotional difficulties. Psychological problems associated with abortion include depression, irritability, and feelings of regret or guilt. Trouble concentrating or sleeping after an abortion is also quite common.