Abortion can be safe or unsafe, depending on method, gestational age, and quality of care.
When performed by trained professionals using recommended techniques, serious complications are rare.
However, unsafe or improperly performed abortions are a major global cause of maternal morbidity and mortality.
1. Immediate (Acute) Complications
These occur within hours or days after the procedure — especially when done unsafely.
- Hemorrhage (Heavy Bleeding): Can lead to severe anemia or require blood transfusion
- Infection (Sepsis): Caused by incomplete abortion, retained tissue, or unsterile instruments
- Uterine Perforation: Surgical instruments may puncture the uterine wall
- Cervical Injury: Trauma during cervical dilation
- Incomplete Abortion: Remaining fetal or placental tissue requiring additional intervention
- Allergic or Adverse Reactions: To medications (e.g., anesthesia, mifepristone, misoprostol)
2. Sub-acute and Delayed Complications
Occur days to weeks later, even after apparent recovery.
- Endometritis: Infection of the uterine lining
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Can lead to chronic pain and fertility issues
- Retained Products of Conception: May require surgical removal (D&C)
- Blood Clots: Rare but possible, especially with prolonged bed rest
3. Long-term / Chronic Complications
More likely when abortions are repeated, late-term, or unsafely performed.
- Scarring (Asherman's Syndrome): Uterine adhesions that can affect fertility
- Cervical Incompetence: Weakened cervix increasing risk of preterm birth in future pregnancies
- Infertility or Subfertility: Especially after severe infection or trauma
- Chronic Pelvic Pain: Due to infection, scarring, or nerve damage
- Placental Complications in Future Pregnancies: Increased risk of placenta previa or accreta
4. Psychological and Emotional Impact
Emotional responses vary widely — from relief to grief.
Risk factors for psychological distress include:
- Lack of social or partner support
- Cultural or religious stigma
- Coercion or secrecy
- Preexisting mental-health conditions
Studies suggest most women do not experience long-term psychological harm after a safe abortion, but some do experience trauma — especially in unsafe or stigmatized contexts.
5. Unsafe Abortions — A Global Health Crisis
According to WHO:
- 45% of all abortions globally are unsafe
- They cause 5–13% of all maternal deaths
- Common in regions with restrictive laws and poor access to contraception or skilled providers
- Unsafe methods may include ingestion of toxic substances, use of sharp objects, or non-medical providers
6. Key Prevention Strategies
- Access to modern contraception and accurate sexual-health education
- Availability of safe, legal, and high-quality abortion services
- Post-abortion care, including infection control and emotional support
- Community awareness and destigmatization for early medical care
References
- World Health Organization. Preventing Unsafe Abortion (Fact Sheet, 2023).
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Abortion Surveillance Report 2022.
- Guttmacher Institute, Abortion Worldwide Report 2022.
- Sedgh G. et al. The Lancet, 2016. Abortion incidence between 1990 and 2014.
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (UK), Best Practice Guidelines.
Important Note: This information is for educational purposes only. If you're experiencing complications or need medical advice, please consult a qualified healthcare provider immediately.