Be Fully Informed Before
The Abortion Decision
What are the physical risks of surgical abortions?(15)
First Trimester
- Cervical tearing and laceration from the instruments.
- Perforation of the uterus by instruments. May require major surgery, including hysterectomy.
- Scarring of the uterine lining, by suction tubing, curettes, and other instruments.
- Infection, local and systemic (sepsis).
- Hemorrhage and shock, especially if the uterine artery is torn.
- Anesthesia toxicity from both general or local anesthesia, resulting in possible convulsions, cardiorespiratory arrest, and in extreme cases, death. General anesthesia in abortion has a two to four times greater risk of death than local anesthesia.
- Retained tissue, indicated by cramping, heavy bleeding and infection.
- Postabortal syndrome, referring to an enlarged tender, and soft uterus retaining blood clots.
- Failure to recognize an ectopic pregnancy. This could lead to the rupture of a fallopian tube and hemorrhage and resulting infertility or death, if treatment is not provided in time.
Second Trimester
Infusion Methods
- Adverse reactions by the mother to the chemicals used in the abortion.
- “Failed abortion,” also known as “live birth.”
- Retained tissue, including the placenta.
- Uterine rupture, with resulting severe pain and blood loss. May require major surgery, including hysterectomy.
- Cervical laceration, perforation, heavy bleeding or hemorrhage, and infection.
Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)
- Trapped fetal parts, leading to possible damage to the uterus and nearby organs, such as the bowel and bladder.
- Laceration and perforation of the uterus and/or cervix by fetal parts and/or the larger instruments used in these mid-term abortions.
- Greater risk of hemorrhage.
15. Hern, op.cit., pp.175ff.
