Abortion Risks
& Side Effects
Abortion Risks
& Side Effects
Engage Equip Empower
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Before you take an abortion pill or have any elective procedure it’s important to know the potential impacts it could have on your body and future health. Risks and side effects vary by the type of procedure and how far along you are in your pregnancy.
Abortion Pill Risks
Mifepristone (Mifeprex, Korlym, RU 486) — which is used in combination with is used together with another medicine called Misoprostol (Cytotek) 24 – 48 hours later – has the following side effects and risks according to various online sources:
Common Side Effects:
Mifepristone – bleeding (heavy 2 days), (light or spotting for 9-16 days), fever, chills, weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and cramping.
Misoprostol – mild diarrhea, stomach pain, feeling thirsty, less urination.
Potential Serious Risks:
Mifepristone – medical attention is required if following symptoms occur: fever (>100.4 degrees F (38 C)) or, if lasting more than 4 hours, chills, confusion, severe drowsiness, rapid breathing, feeling very ill, severe stomach pain or tenderness, general ill feeling or fast heartbeats, heavy or prolonged vaginal bleeding, severe or ongoing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fainting.
Misoprostol – severe ongoing stomach discomfort, diarrhea, dehydration, dizziness, confusion, uterine rupture.
Surgical Abortion Risks
- heavy bleeding
- incomplete abortion
- infection
- organ damage
- emboli (blood clot, air bubble, fatty deposit, or other object which has been carried in the bloodstream to lodge in a vessel or in the lung)
- anesthesia complications
- Rh sensitization
- In extreme cases, death.
Later term abortions carry the highest risks. A medical professional is available to discuss with you in further detail these procedures and potential short and long-term risks.
- heavy bleeding
- incomplete abortion
- infection
- organ damage
- emboli (blood clot, air bubble, fatty deposit, or other object which has been carried in the bloodstream to lodge in a vessel or in the lung)
- anesthesia complications
- Rh sensitization
- In extreme cases, death.
The later term abortions carry the highest risks. A medical professional is available to discuss with you in further detail these procedures and potential short and long-term risks.
What Are The Potential Future Risks?
There is evidence of emotional, relational and even spiritual risks following an abortion procedure. Most women say they initially felt relief and looked forward to their lives returning to normal. But some women report negative emotions after abortion, that linger, unresolved. For others, problems related to their abortion emerge months or even years later.
After abortion, most women are able to become pregnant again. However, abortion may increase the risk of complications that can impact future pregnancies and the health of future children. Below are a few of the potential risks on future pregnancies and children:
- Pre-Term Birth
- Low Birth Weight
- Placenta Previa
To learn more about emotional risks after abortion, check out our After Abortion Care page, or make an appointment to talk with someone at the A Woman’s Answer about your options.
Abortion Reversal
If you have taken the first dose of the Abortion Pill Mifepristone (e.g., Mifeprex, Korlym, RU 486) and are experiencing doubts about your abortion, it may be possible to reverse your abortion. Every hour since your first dose of the abortion pill matters, so it’s important to call the Abortion Reversal Helpline at 1-877-558-0333 or an OB provider as soon as possible.
*A Woman’s Answer (AWA) does not perform or refer for abortions.
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Are you considering abortion?
Are you unsure of your options? A Woman’s Answer Medical Center specializes in helping you through your pregnancy journey. Our staff will answer your questions in a caring and confidential way.
Are you considering abortion?
Are you unsure of your options? Our medical professionals will answer your questions in a caring and confidential way.