Are there risks with abortion?
Get The Facts
Although many abortion clinics will give you facts on what takes place during the abortion procedure itself, many fail to discuss the long-lasting risks that abortion has on its patient both physically and emotionally. At Open Arms, we care about your long-term needs and here to walk you through the reality of what having an abortion does to your body, mind, and soul. We are here to answer any questions you have and guide you every step of the way, contact us today.
What are the physical risks of abortion?
- Permanent damage to the uterus
- Injury to the bowel or bladder
- Cut/Torn Cervix
- Severe Cramping
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Future problems conceiving children
- Hemorrhaging (heavy bleeding)
- Risk of future hysterectomy
- Risks that involve surgery/anesthesia
What are the emotional risks of abortion?
- PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Anger
- Sadness
- Guilt
- Addiction
- Eating Disorder
- Despair
How severe are the risks of abortion?
Like any medical procedure, weighing the risks is vital when making an appropriate decision for yourself, especially when it involves something with lifelong risks. Although rare, some abortion procedures may cause severe bleeding and infection that could potentially lead to death. Sometimes the emotional trauma involved with such an extreme procedure also leads to life-changing effects most do not consider. The father also suffers from the trauma, which puts many relationships and marriages in a strained position. The loss of a pregnancy no matter how it happens is devastating. Open Arms Pregnancy Center is here to offer all the counseling available to not only the female considering abortion, but also the male partner involved. The decision should never be made alone, and we are here for you every step of the way. Contact us today to speak with a staff member or make an appointment.
Before you have any elective procedure it’s important to know the potential impacts it could have on your body and future health. Here we’ve compiled the latest research on the impacts of abortion. Risks and side effects vary by the type of procedure and how far along you are.
Common Side Effects
Most women experience some of the following after an abortion 1:
- Abdominal pain
- Cramping
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Spotting/bleeding
Serious Potential Complications 1
- Heavy or persistent bleeding that is heavier than a normal menstrual period
- Infection or sepsis
- Damage to the cervix
- Scarring of the uterine lining
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to other organs
- Severe abdominal and back pain
- Foul-smelling discharge
- Fever
- Continuing symptoms of pregnancy
- Death
Long-Term Health Risks
There is literature to support the possibility of these future healthcare risks 2:
- Future Pre-term Deliveries
- Breast Cancer
- STDs and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Mental Health (see After Abortion Care “Emotional Effects”)
- Infertility & Future Childbearing
Are you considering abortion? Are you unsure of your options? Here at Open Arms Pregnancy Center, we specialize in helping you through the process. Our onsite professionals will answer your questions in a caring and confidential way. We would be happy to serve you.
NO JUDGMENTS
1 Planned Parenthood (2014). Abortion. Retrieved from https://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-info/abortion/the-abortion-pill and https://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-info/abortion/in-clinic-abortion-procedures.
2 Planned Parenthood (2019). How do I get the abortion pill? Retrieved from https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/abortion/the-abortion-pill/how-do-i-get-the-abortion-pill
Common Questions
The requirements for this vary from state to state. In Ohio, the law requires anyone under the age of 18 who is looking to obtain an abortion to have consent from a parent or legal guardian.
The final cost is dependent on multiple factors. Those factors being: how far along you are in your pregnancy, what type of abortion you have, your healthcare provider, and the clinic you go to. Ohio has a 24 hour waiting period, which requires all patients to come to the clinic at least twice. The cost of an abortion starts around $500 and increases as pregnancy progresses. In Ohio, health plans (including Medicare and Medicaid) can only cover abortion in cases of life endangerment, or in cases of rape or incest.
In Ohio, an abortion can be obtained up to 22 weeks after the last menstrual period. Any abortion beyond that, may only be performed under the condition that your life is in danger from the pregnancy or that you are dealing with severe physical health complications. In addition, an abortion pill is an option only for women who are no more than 10 weeks pregnant. After 10 weeks, the pill becomes illegal to use for abortion and surgical methods must be used.
If you don’t know how far along you are, Open Arms Pregnancy Center offers a free limited obstetrical ultrasound with proof of positive pregnancy. Call or stop in to get an appointment scheduled today.
Many women don’t know this, but the abortion pill is actually two pills, each with a different function. If you change your mind after taking the first pill and haven’t yet taken the second pill, call the Abortion Pill Reversal hotline 877-558-0333 right away. It may not be too late for you to save the pregnancy.
Receiving an ultrasound before you get an abortion is an important medical step and one of the most accurate ways to get essential information about your pregnancy. An ultrasound determines if you’re still pregnant, how far along you are, and the location of your pregnancy. This is the first step in discovering what pregnancy options you have as each abortion procedure is only available during certain points of your pregnancy. At Open Arms Pregnancy Center, we provide limited ultrasounds free of charge; call or text today to learn more.
Every person’s experience with abortion will differ. Most women experience bleeding and cramping, as well as other possible physical risks.
There is no universally accepted standard for how you should expect to feel after an abortion. In some cases, women can deal with feelings of depression, grief, guilt, and loss; this is commonly referred to as Post Abortion Stress Syndrome or PASS. If you are dealing with such feelings or just want someone to talk to about your experience with abortion, Open Arms provides post-abortion support at no cost. Call to schedule an appointment today.
*Open Arms Pregnancy Center offers accurate information about all pregnancy options; however, we do not offer or refer for abortion services.
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Contact
Open Arms Pregnancy Center
141 S 11th St.,
Cambridge, OH 43725
Phone: 740-439-4568
Text Us: 740-280-6908
Crisis Line: 1-800-395-HELP
Hours
Monday: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Tuesday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Thursday: 1:00pm - 6:00pm
Friday: CLOSED
Saturday: CLOSED
Sunday: CLOSED
ALL SERVICES ARE FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL
PREGNANCY TESTS
We provide hospital-grade pregnancy tests with immediate results.
ULTRASOUNDS
We provide ultrasounds for women who have had a positive pregnancy test at our center.
OPTIONS COUNSELING
We provide education about all of your pregnancy options with a trained Client Advocate.
COMMUNITY REFERRALS
We are here for you and can help you find the resources you may need.