Consider the Risks of Abortion
"This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice."
Side effects may occur with induced abortion, whether surgical or by pill. These include abdominal pain and cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Abortion also carries the risk of significant complications such as bleeding, infection, and damage to organs. Serious complications occur in less than 1 out of 100 early abortions and in about 1 out of every 50 later abortions. Complications may include:
- Heavy Bleeding - Some bleeding after abortion is normal.
However, if the cervix is torn or the uterus is punctured, there is
a risk of severe bleeding known as hemorrhaging. When this
happens, a blood transfusion may be required. Severe bleeding is
also a risk with the use of RU486. One in 100 women who use
RU486 require surgery to stop the bleeding.
- Infection – Infection can develop from the insertion of medical
instruments into the uterus, or from fetal parts that are mistakenly
left inside (known as an incomplete abortion). A pelvic infection
may lead to persistent fever over several days and extended
hospitalization. It can also cause scarring of the pelvic organs.
- Incomplete Abortion – Some fetal parts may be mistakenly left
inside after the abortion. Bleeding and infection may result.
- Sepsis – A number of RU486 or mifepristone users have died as a
result of sepsis (total body infection).
- Anesthesia – Complications from general anesthesia used during
abortion surgery may result in convulsions, heart attack, and in
extreme cases, death. It also increases the risk of other serious
complications by two and a half times.
- Damage to the Cervix – The cervix may be cut, torn, or
damaged by abortion instruments. This can cause excessive
bleeding that requires surgical repair.
- Scarring of the Uterine Lining – Suction tubing, curettes, and
other abortion instruments may cause permanent scarring of the
uterine lining.
- Perforation of the Uterus – The uterus may be punctured or
torn by abortion instruments. The risk of this complication
increases with the length of the pregnancy. If this occurs, major
surgery may be required, including removal of the uterus
(known as a hysterectomy).
- Damage to Internal Organs – When the uterus is punctured or
torn, there is also a risk that damage will occur to nearby organs
such as the bowel and bladder.
- Death - In extreme cases, other physical complications from
abortion including excessive bleeding, infection, organ damage from
a perforated uterus, and adverse reactions to anesthesia may lead
to death. This complication is rare, but is real.
Consider Other Risks of Abortion
Abortion and Preterm Birth: Women who undergo one or more induced
abortions carry a significantly increased risk of delivering prematurely in
the future. Premature delivery is associated with higher rates of cerebral
palsy, as well as other complications of prematurity (brain, respiratory,
bowel, and eye problems).
Source: http://www.optionline.org/abortion.html
|
|