Thinking About Abortion? Risks to Consider
Abortion has been in the spotlight recently, but have you noticed something missing from most discussions? You rarely hear honest talk about the risks women face when they terminate a pregnancy, and these risks are genuine. The good news is there are excellent abortion alternatives available in Coeur d’Alene. You do have options.
Today, most abortions are performed chemically – that is, with the abortion pill. However, there are still many surgical abortions, as well. Although the risks differ depending on the method used, both carry medical risks. Here are a few health risks you may face from getting an abortion.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is when your reproductive organs – the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries – become infected, usually from bacteria that normally exist in the cervix or vagina. This potentially life-threatening condition can increase future risk of infertility and ectopic pregnancy. These risks are partly due to the way PID damages and scars fallopian tubes, even blocking the tubes entirely in some cases.
Ectopic Pregnancies
Studies suggest that women who get a single abortion have an increased risk of developing an ectopic pregnancy later in life, and the risk increases for women who have had two or more abortions. This can be devastating for women to want to start a family only to find themselves struggling far more than they should.
In an ectopic pregnancy, the embryo implants outside of the uterus, usually within the fallopian tube. Because this tube is narrow and is not where the baby is meant to develop, the fallopian tube can rupture as the baby grows. An ectopic pregnancy is not viable and can be a life-threatening risk for the mother.
Uterine Perforation
As many as 3 in 1,000 vacuum aspirations, early-term surgical abortions result in a perforated
uterus. The most concerning aspect of this risk is that it often goes undetected. It may not be until years later, when major surgery or even a hysterectomy is required, that a woman will discover the perforation. For late-term abortions, the risk of perforation is higher and can cause a severe and immediate medical problem.
Post Abortion Stress Syndrome
Abortion brings a high risk of psychological damage. While many women initially feel relief after an abortion believing the issue is behind them and dealt with, many women develop Post-Abortion Stress Syndrome (PASS), a type of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The trauma of abortion can bring feelings of guilt, suicidal thoughts, numbness, and anxiety. Women suffering from PAS often struggle with alcohol and drug abuse. They may find it difficult to bond with their future children.
Cervical Lacerations
About 3% of all second-trimester abortions result in a laceration of the cervix. These lacerations are often undiagnosed during the abortion if they are minor, but even minor lacerations can lead to premature labor and labor complications in later pregnancies. Damage and scarring to the cervix and endometrium during an abortion also significantly increases the risk of abnormal placenta development in later pregnancy, increasing the risk of birth defects.
Abortion Alternatives in Coeur d’Alene
If you’re considering abortion, you must understand that it is not as safe an option as it is frequently made out to be. The fact is, pro-abortion advocates always underplay the risks because they quash all information that does not support their position. But abortion is not your only option! Make a pre-abortion appointment with us at Open Arms Real Choices Clinic, and we can help you. We can confirm your pregnancy through a lab-quality test and perform a limited obstetric ultrasound to determine whether your pregnancy is viable. If you are pregnant, we can help you evaluate your and the baby’s health and explain all your options in an atmosphere of genuine, loving support.
