Abortion is a word loaded with class connotations, political divisionand social stigma. However, the procedure itself simply refers to the intentional termination of pregnancy.
We respect all ethical views and this article is not intended to establish morality about abortion – it examines the research and misconceptions so you can make the best decision for your individual situation.
Types of abortions
There are two types of abortion procedures: surgical abortions and medical abortions.
Surgical abortionalso referred to as aspiration abortion, involves dilating the cervix and removing the fetus and associated pregnancy material through a small suction tube.
The procedure can be done in one day if it’s been less than 14 weeks since your last period started and is done in the doctor’s office with oral pain medication and local anesthesia.
It is sometimes performed on women after 20 weeks of pregnancy in situations where carrying out the pregnancy may endanger the mother’s life or in cases of fetal abnormality.
Medical abortionalso known as the “abortion pill,” may be performed in the early weeks of pregnancy depending on state or country laws.
Medical abortion involves taking a combination of two drugs – misoprostol and mifepristone – by mouth to end the pregnancy. It is a non-invasive, low-risk procedure that is approximately 99% effective.
Possible risks of abortion
Although it is important to remember that any medical procedure carries certain risks, such complications are rare. Of the 1 million medical abortions performed in the US, 2% had complications (compared to 8% for pregnancy and 12% for wisdom tooth removal). Some possibilities complications include:
- Perforated uterus
- Contamination
- Incomplete abortion
- Heavy bleeding
- Allergic reactions
One way to reduce the risk of potential complications is to be screened for STDs and pre-existing gynecological problems before the abortion.
Misconceptions about abortion
Myth 1: Having an abortion will affect my chances of getting pregnant again in the future.
The majority of women non experience any fertility problems after an abortion. In fact, most women can get pregnant soon after an abortion, so it’s important to use contraception if you don’t want to get pregnant again.
There is a small risk of a uterine infection, which if not treated quickly, could turn into pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and spread to your ovaries and fallopian tubes. PID can increase the chance of an ectopic pregnancy or infertility, but if you go for regular check-ups and consultations with your doctor, the infection can be treated before it reaches this stage.
Myth 2: There are always mental health consequences after seeking an abortion.
Over 50 years, large-scale longitudinal and international studies have established that it exists no link between access to safe, legal abortion and mental health problems.
In a landmark study of more than 1,000 women in 21 states, women who were able to legally obtain an abortion were as likely to report negative emotions, mental health symptoms, and suicidal thoughts as women who were denied an abortion.
Myth 3: Abortion is an unsafe procedure.
When performed by a licensed physician with the proper equipment and facilities, abortion is a safe medical procedure. In fact, it has a lower complication rate than many other common medical procedures, such as having your wisdom teeth removed.
Abortion pills are safer from common drugs such as Tylenol, penicillin and Viagra. As mentioned above, there are always potential complications, which can be reduced or mitigated through abortion screening, communication with your doctor, and frequent checkups.
Myth 4: Abortion can increase my chances of getting breast cancer.
The most up-to-date research shows that abortion does not increase the risk of breast cancer. According to Cancer.orgof a woman risk Breast cancer development is affected by the levels of certain hormones in her body, and hormone levels fluctuate throughout a woman’s life (such as during pregnancy and menstrual cycles). Abortions also cause fluctuations in hormone levels, which has led to research into possible associations between abortion and breast cancer.
However, expert panels convened by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) concluded that there is no link—a conclusion supported by research and multiple assessments.
Myth 5: Abortion kills an unborn baby.
In the first trimester (the first three months of pregnancy), a pregnant woman carries an embryo, which develops into a fetus after the end of the second month of pregnancy. During the first trimester, the embryo or fetus is unable to survive on its own outside the womb and also has not yet developed senses that would allow it to recognize personality.
Although ethical positions vary, the majority of countries and governing medical institutions in the EU do not recognize the ‘personhood’ of a fetus and do not equate early pregnancy with a baby.
