Question Box Friday

What are some of the problems women have besides depression after an abortion?

Complications may happen in as many as 1 out of every 100 early abortions and in about 1 out of 50 later abortions. These complications may include:

Heavy Bleeding
Some bleeding after abortion is normal. However, there is a risk of hemorrhage especially if the uterine artery is torn. When this happens a blood transfusion may be required.

Infection
Bacteria may get into the uterus from an incomplete abortion resulting in infection.

Incomplete Abortion
Some fetal parts may not be removed by the abortion. Bleeding and infection may occur. RU486 may fail in up to 1 out of every 20 cases.

Allergic Reaction to Drugs
The anesthesia used during abortion could cause an allergic reaction to occur, resulting in convulsions, heart attack and, in extreme cases, death.

Tearing of the Cervix
The cervix could be cut or torn by the instruments used to preform an abortion.

Scarring of the Uterine Lining
Suction tubing, curettets and other abortion instruments may cause permanent scarring of the uterine lining.

Perforation of the Uterus
The instruments used in abortion may puncture or tear the uterus. The risk of this complication increases with the length of pregnancy . If this occurs, major sugery, including a hysterectomy, may be required.

Damage to Internal Organs
When the uterus is punctured or torn, there is also a risk of damaging nearby organs such as the bowel and bladder.

Death
This complication is very rare and occurs, on average, in less than 20 caes per year.

Information was taken from a pamphlet intitled Before You Decide: An Abortion Education Resource published by Care Net.