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Learn About Abortion Procedures and Risks
Abortion is not just a simple medical procedure. For many women,
it is a life changing event with significant physical, em-+otional, and
spiritual consequences. Most women who struggle with past
abortions say that they wish they had been told all of the facts
about abortion. The following information will help you understand
more about abortion procedures and abortion side-effects and risks.
Abortion Procedures
Morning After Pill (MAP): within 72 hours of sexual intercourse
Also known as “Emergency Contraception,” this procedure consists of a
pregnancy test and two doses of pills. The woman first must take a pregnancy
test and receive a negative test result before taking the pills. If a negative test
result occurs from the pregnancy test, then the woman is instructed to take
the first dose of the MAP. Note: a negative result indicates that the woman is
probably not pregnant from intercourse during her previous monthly cycle, but
it will not show whether or not she just became pregnant (from intercourse the
“night before”). She is instructed to take this first dose as soon as possible,
but not more than 72 hours after intercourse. The woman takes a second
dose 12 hours after the first dose. If conception already occurred within the
72 hour time frame (that is the “night before”), the life is expelled. This is an
early abortion.
RU486, Mifepristone: within 4 to 7 weeks after LMP
Also known as the Abortion Pill, this medical abortion is used for women who
are within 28 to 49 days after their last menstrual period. This procedure usually
requires three office visits. The RU 486 or mifepristone pills are given to the
woman who returns two days later for a second medication called misoprostol.
The combination of these medications causes the uterus to expel the fetus.
Early Vacuum Aspiration: within 7 weeks after LMP
This surgical abortion is done early in the pregnancy up until 7 weeks after the
woman's last menstrual period. The cervical muscle is stretched with dilators
(metal rods) until the opening is wide enough to allow the abortion instruments
to pass into the uterus. A hand held syringe is attached to tubing that is
inserted into the uterus and the fetus is suctioned out.
Suction Curettage: within 6 to 14 weeks after LMP
In this procedure, the doctor opens the cervix with a dilator (a metal rod) or
laminaria (thin sticks derived from plants and inserted several hours before the
procedure). The doctor inserts tubing into the uterus and connects the tubing
to a suction machine. The suction pulls the fetus' body apart and out of the
uterus. One variation of this procedure is called Dilation and Curettage (D&C).
In this method, the doctor may use a curette, a loop-shaped knife, to scrape
the fetal parts out of the uterus.
Dilation and Evacuation (D&E): within 13 to 24 weeks after LMP
This surgical abortion is done during the second trimester of pregnancy.
Because the developing fetus doubles in size between the thirteenth and
fourteenth weeks of pregnancy, the body of the fetus is too large to be broken
up by suction and will not pass through the suction tubing. In this procedure,
the cervix must be opened wider than in a first trimester abortion. This is done
by inserting laminaria a day or two before the abortion. After opening the cervix,
the doctor pulls out the fetal parts with forceps. The fetus' skull is crushed to
ease removal.
Dilation and Extraction (D&X): from 20 weeks after LMP to full-term
Also known as Partial-birth Abortion, this procedure takes three days.
During the first two days, the cervix is dilated and medication is given for
cramping. On the third day, the woman receives medication to start labor.
After labor begins, the abortion doctor uses ultrasound to locate the baby's
legs. Grasping a leg with forceps, the doctor delivers the baby up to the
baby's head. Next, scissors are inserted into the base of the skull to create
an opening. A suction catheter is placed into the opening to remove the
skull contents. The skull collapses and the baby is removed.
Immediate Risks of Abortion
Some side effects may occur with induced abortion. These include
abdominal pain and cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In most
abortions, no serious complications occur. However, complications may
happen in as many as 1 out of every 100 early abortions and in about 1
out of every 50 later abortions. Such complications may include:
Heavy Bleeding - Some bleeding after abortion is normal. There is, however,
a risk of hemorrhage, especially if the uterine artery is torn. When this happens,
a blood transfusion may be required.
Infection - Bacteria may get into the uterus from an incomplete abortion
resulting in infection. A serious infection may lead to persistent fever over
several days and extended hospitalization.
Incomplete Abortion - Some fetal parts may not be removed by the abortion.
Bleeding and infection may occur. RU486 may fail in up to 1 out of every 20 cases.
Allergic Reaction to Drugs - An allergic reaction to anesthesia used during
abortion surgery may result in convulsions, heart attack and, in extreme cases, death.
Tearing of the Cervix - The cervix may be cut or torn by abortion instruments.
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, including a hysterectomy, may be
required.
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 very rare and occurs, on average, in less than 20 cases per year.
Other Risks of Abortion
Abortion and Breast Cancer
Medical experts are still researching and debating the linkage between
abortion and breast cancer. However, a 1994 study in the Journal of the
National Cancer Institute found: "Among women who had been pregnant
at least once, the risk of breast cancer in those who had experienced an
induced abortion was 50% higher than among other women." Here are
more important facts:
1) Carrying a pregnancy to full term gives protection against breast cancer
that cannot be gained if abortion is chosen.
2) Abortion causes a sudden drop in estrogen levels that may make
breast cells more susceptible to cancer.
3) Most studies conducted so far show a significant linkage between
abortion and breast cancer.
Effect on Future Pregnancy
Scarring or other injury during an abortion may prevent or place at risk
future wanted pregnancies. The risk of miscarriage is greater for women
who abort their first pregnancy.
Emotional Impact
Some women experience strong negative emotions after abortion.
Sometimes this occurs within days and sometimes it happens after
many years. This psychological response is known as Post-Abortion
Stress (PAS). Several factors that impact the likelihood of Post-Abortion
Stress include: the woman's age, the abortion circumstances, the stage
of pregnancy at which the abortion occurs, and the woman's religious beliefs.
Post-Abortion Stress Symptoms
- Guilt
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Suicidal Thoughts
- Anniversary Grief
- Flashbacks of Abortion
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Relationship Problems
- Eating Disorders
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse
- Psychological Reactions
Spiritual Consequences
People have different understandings of God. Whatever your present
beliefs may be, there is a spiritual side to abortion that deserves to
be considered. Having an abortion may affect more than just your
body and your mind -- it may have an impact on your relationship with
God. What is God's desire for you in this situation? How does God
see your unborn child? These are important questions to consider.
Explore Your Options
You have the legal right to choose the outcome of your pregnancy.
But real empowerment comes when you find the resources and inner
strength necessary to make your best choice. Here are some other options.
Parenting
Choosing to continue your pregnancy and to parent is very challenging.
But with the support of caring people, parenting classes, and other
resources, many women find the help they need to make this choice.
Adoption
You may decide to place your child for adoption. Each year over 50,000
women in America make this choice. This loving decision is often made
by women who first thought abortion was their only way out.
Help Is Available
Facing an unexpected pregnancy can seem overwhelming. That is why
knowing where to go for help is important. Talk to someone you can trust -
your partner, your parents, a pastor, a priest or perhaps a good friend.
Also, the caring people at your pregnancy center are available to help
you through this difficult time. Please visit our home page to see our
If you are outside of the Hammond Louisiana area and need to find a
pregnancy center near you, call 1-800-395-HELP available 24-hours a
day or visit, http://www.pregnancycenters.org.
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