What are the Risks of the Abortion Pill?
Just as with surgical abortions, the use of the abortion pill can result in complications. Before making the decision to use the abortion pill, it’s best to speak with someone who is not going to judge you but who will do their best to get you the information you need to be safe.
About the Abortion Pill:
The abortion pill is a two-step abortion process. This process ends the pregnancy via a chemical avenue. Medical abortion (abortion pill) is an option for women within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy and the process is typically completed at home.
The Medical Abortion Process
1. Medical abortions begin with a pill that stops the production of the progesterone hormone, which is a hormone created by the body to help pregnancy progress. Without progesterone, the lining of the uterus breaks down, and the pregnancy cannot continue to be carried out. This first step is typically given in a medical setting.
2. A second pill is given to a woman to take at home 24-48 hours after taking the first pill. The second pill causes the uterus to contract and puts the body into labor to expel the baby. It is common to experience heavy bleeding and cramping during this stage.
3. It is important to follow up with a healthcare provider after taking both medications to confirm the success of the abortion and to ensure no complications have occurred. In some cases where a complication arises, a surgical intervention may be required.
During this abortion process, a woman’s body will experience symptoms of labor, including abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, vomiting, bleeding, and diarrhea. For information about abortion pills, view our pages on abortion pill frequently asked questions and facts and myths about the abortion pill. While symptoms are typically short-term and will lessen and eventually disappear altogether, the medical abortion process comes with increased risk.
Possible Abortion Pill Risks:
Hemorrhage:
It is normal to clot during a medical abortion up to the size of a lemon; however, if you bleed more than that, you should contact a doctor immediately. If you experience a hemorrhage during a medical abortion, it can cause lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, fainting, and death if not stopped.
Incomplete Abortions Leading to Infection:
During a medical abortion, it is possible that the entire baby isn’t expelled, thus causing infection due to the remaining cells in the uterus. If left unattended, it can lead to hemorrhage, infection, or even death.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease:
Women who receive a medical abortion and have chlamydia are 23% more likely to get a pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic floor pain, and abscesses.
Mental Health Struggles:
Many women who undergo a medical abortion have reported experiencing significant mental health issues that are caused by their abortion experience. Studies show this holds true for medical abortions and surgical abortions.
Fertility Issues as a Result of Abortion:
Studies have linked the abortion pill to an increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth and fertility issues.
Relationship Complications:
Unfortunately, abortion has been linked to numerous relational issues, including difficulties with a spouse or partner and difficulty connecting with future children. Following abortions, instances of break-ups and divorces jump to 40-75%.
Know Your Pregnancy Options
You have a right to know all your options – as well as potential risks to you – before you decide what you should do regarding an unplanned pregnancy. Align Pregnancy Services provides free pregnancy support services, including chemical abortion information, ultrasounds and pregnancy tests, parenting education, and material assistance. We have locations in Lebanon, Lancaster, Ephrata, and Columbia, PA. To schedule a free, confidential, non-judgmental appointment, contact us today.