What Are the Risks of Abortion?

If you’re considering abortion, it’s important to understand both the procedure and its potential risks before making a decision. Learning about what’s associated with each abortion method can help you make an informed choice that prioritizes your health.

At Hope Pregnancy Resource Center, we provide free, confidential pregnancy services and options education so you can ask questions and receive accurate information in a caring environment. Schedule your appointment today.

Risks Associated with Medical Abortion

Medical abortion uses two drugs to end an early pregnancy: mifepristone and misoprostol.

While they aren’t guaranteed, possible risks include:

Heavy or prolonged bleeding
Infection
Incomplete abortion, which may require surgical treatment
Ongoing pregnancy if the drugs do not work
Allergic reactions to the drugs

Additionally, women will experience cramping and bleeding as part of the process, but they may also notice side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, or chills.

Risks Associated with Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion procedures vary depending on how far along the pregnancy is. The farther along you are, the more involved the method.

Potential risks include:

Heavy bleeding
Infection
Injury to the cervix
Uterine perforation
An incomplete abortion, potentially requiring another procedure

Although serious complications are uncommon, it’s important to understand the possible risks before making any decision.

Why an Ultrasound Is Important

Before considering abortion, confirming your pregnancy through an ultrasound provides valuable medical information.

An ultrasound can determine whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus, estimate how far along you are, and determine whether the pregnancy is developing. Having this information can help you make a more informed decision while protecting your health.

We offer limited OB ultrasounds following a positive pregnancy test at our center; all services are provided at no cost.

We’re Here to Answer Your Questions

Facing an unexpected pregnancy can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Hope Pregnancy Resource Center will help you learn more about your pregnancy and explore your options without feeling pressured or rushed into making a specific decision.

Schedule your no-cost, confidential appointment today. We’re here for you.

Hope Pregnancy Resource Center does not provide or refer for abortions.

All abortion information in this blog is based on medical information available at the time of writing.