Thinking About Abortion? Risks to Consider
If you’re considering abortion, it’s important to understand the potential physical and emotional impacts. At Open Arms Real Choices Clinic, we believe every woman deserves accurate, compassionate, and medically sound information before making decisions about her pregnancy.
While abortion is often portrayed as a simple solution, the reality is more complex. Women may face a number of physical and emotional complications—many of which are rarely discussed in mainstream conversations. This post explores several common risks of abortion to help you make an informed choice.
1. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is a serious infection of the reproductive organs, typically caused by bacteria entering the uterus during procedures like surgical abortion. Left untreated, PID can lead to infertility, chronic pain, and an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy due to scarring of the fallopian tubes.
2. Ectopic Pregnancy
Research shows a higher likelihood of ectopic pregnancies among women who have had one or more abortions. In an ectopic pregnancy, the embryo implants outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube. This condition is not viable and can be life-threatening without immediate medical intervention.
3. Uterine Perforation
One of the lesser-known abortion risks is uterine perforation—when a surgical instrument punctures the uterine wall. This occurs in up to 3 in 1,000 early surgical abortions and is more common in later procedures. Because symptoms can be subtle, damage may go unnoticed until complications arise later in life.
4. Post-Abortion Stress
Emotional and psychological responses vary after an abortion, but many women report experiencing Post-Abortion Stress Syndrome (PASS)—a form of post-traumatic stress. Symptoms may include guilt, anxiety, depression, and difficulty bonding with future children. Some women turn to substance use or experience lasting emotional distress.
5. Cervical Lacerations
During second-trimester abortions, there is a small but significant risk of cervical laceration—a tear in the cervix. These injuries can go undiagnosed but may lead to complications in future pregnancies, such as preterm labor or abnormal placenta development.
You Are Not Alone
At Open Arms Real Choices Clinic, we’re here to support you with information and care, not judgment. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your options or uncertain about your next step, we invite you to schedule a pre-abortion screening.
We offer:
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Lab-quality pregnancy testing
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Limited obstetric ultrasounds
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Compassionate, confidential support to help you explore all your options
Your health and well-being matter. Before you decide, come in and talk with a nurse in a calm, private setting. Discover alternatives to abortion and get the answers you need about the risks with abortions and what choices are available to you.
📞 Call us or schedule an appointment online today. You don’t have to walk this road alone.
