There are two kinds of abortion, surgical (D&A, D&E, D&C) and chemical

(abortion pill or RU-486). Either type of abortion may be followed by

psychological as well as physical complications.   And there may be

long term complications.
 

Information on Surgical abortions

The method of abortion used depends on how long you have been pregnant—the number of days since the first day of your last period. The following are the most common methods of abortion.

First Trimester (7-13 weeks)
Dilation & Aspiration (D&A)
With few exceptions, surgically induced abortions are performed by a procedure known as Dilation and Aspiration. During the procedure the cervix or neck of the uterus (womb) must be opened to remove the fetus. In the first 12 weeks of pregnancy this is generally accomplished by sequentially inserting tapered rods of increasing width called "dilators." Usually, the cervix needs to be opened no more than 1/4"-1/2" in the first trimester. This can be done with anywhere between 1 to 8 dilator insertions, depending on the stage of the pregnancy and the resistance of the individual cervix, and will cause cramping (much like menstrual cramps). Once the cervix has been adequately dilated, the fetus is removed by inserting a hollow plastic tube called a "vacurette" and applying suction. Generally, the plastic tube is moved in and out or is rotated to enhance the suction force at the tip of the vacurette. This is sometimes followed by curetting (scraping) the walls of the uterus to ensure that no fetal tissue or parts are left behind that might cause subsequent problems. This is referred to as a D&C.

Second Trimester (13-26 weeks)
Dilation & Evacuation (D&E)
Abortion performed in the middle months of pregnancy is a significantly different procedure from the first trimester. The procedures used require greater time and skill and entail somewhat greater risk. The essential difference is that the cervix must be dilated to increasing diameters as the fetus grows. The extent to which the cervix can be safely dilated with dilators varies, dependent upon the woman's cervix. Most experienced physicians will avoid the use of mechanical dilators beyond the 14th week of pregnancy; some will avoid them after the 10th week. As a general rule, the method of choice for dilating the cervix beyond the 12th week involves the use of osmotic dilators. Osmotic dilators are stalks of material which absorb water and expand once placed inside the cervix, they are inserted and left overnight (this will cause cramping). The next morning, the cervix will have dilated and softened. The fetus and placenta are removed in parts with forceps. Suction is then used to scrape the uterus to ensure that no fetal parts remain. Sharp curettage may or may not be performed as a final step. This type of abortion is performed under sedation combined with local anesthesia.

*After 24 weeks of pregnancy, abortions are usually performed only for serious health reasons.

Possible Immediate Physical Complications following Surgical Abortions:

Some side effects occur in virtually all induced abortions.  These include abdominal pain and cramping, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea.  More serious complications may happen in as many as 1 out of every 100 early abortions and 1 out of 50 later abortions.  They include:

• Infection - Bacteria may get into the uterus from an incomplete abortion resulting in infection.  A serious infection may lead to persistent fever over several days and extended hospitalization.
• Incomplete abortion resulting in need for another procedure.
• Heavy bleeding.  While some bleeding is common, if the uterine artery is torn hemorrhaging that requires hospitalization may occur.
• Cervical tears and perforation (or puncture) of the uterus by the abortion instruments.  Major surgery or even a hysterectomy may be required.
• Scarring of the Uterine lining by any of the abortion instruments.

Studies Now Show These Long Term Complications may occur following Surgical Abortions:

• Ectopic pregnancies (in the fallopian tubes and not in the uterus) are 30% more likely to occur in women who have had one abortion and up to 4 times higher in women with two or more abortions.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) occurs in 5% of the women having abortion resulting in fever and infertility.  This is even higher, up to 23%, if you already have an STD.
• Breast cancer is 50% more likely to occur in women who have aborted a pregnancy.  If the woman has a family history of breast cancer, this rate doubles with each successive abortion if the woman is under 18 or over 30 yrs old when the abortion takes place.
• Infertility and sterility (cannot get pregnant) in 2-5% of the women who have had abortions.

 Information on Chemical abortions

RU-486, mifepristone, is the name of what sounds like a miracle pill...an abortion pill.  You may have heard that it's easier than having a surgical abortion.  Simply swallow the pill, it does its work, and the "tissue" will be gone.  Little hassle, all done in private, relatively painless, perfect!

Not really. 

First of all it must be used within 49 days from the first day of your last period.  During this time, the baby's heart has begun to beat, five fingers on each hand have formed, and the eyes are easily distinguished...not exactly "tissue".

Secondly, it isn't just one pill.  The process involves a series of pills that will induce a chemical abortion, followed by several visits to a doctor for a cervical examination.  The first pill, miferpristone, will deplete the lining of the uterus.  Two days later you must return to the doctor's office to receive a second pill, prostaglandin, which is taken to induce contractions (labor) to rid the uterus of its contents.  This will cause cramps so severe that many doctors prescribe a strong pain killer.  You will have a bloody discharge - sometimes quite heavy.  Eventually you will expel the fetus...be prepared for a translucent sac containing the beginnings of a baby that may be left floating in the toilet.  Reality of what has happened may be a frightening thing for you to face alone.

The next week you must return to the doctor for another exam to ensure that the abortion is complete.  5-10% of women will still require surgical abortions to complete the process.  If all goes well, at the end of the visit you will probably be handed a list entitled "What to expect now."   These physical complications will include

• bleeding - up to one month

• possible infection  because RU-486 suppresses the immune system

• possible hospitalization due to hemorrhaging

• possible miscarriage or birth defects in future children

• extreme sleep disturbances

• impaired future fertility

Abortion and Breast Cancer: Carrying your first pregnancy to full term gives protection against breast cancer.  Choosing abortion causes loss of that protection.  Additionally a number of reliable studies have concluded that there may be a link between abortion and the later development of breast cancer.

We can help by providing you with

• a free pregnancy test.  If there is any possibility you could be more that 49 days pregnant RU-486 will not be effective.

• free informational pamphlets so you know the whole truth.

• confidential emotional and spiritual support during this critical time.

Following are medical answers to some questions you may have regarding abortion.
 

Is abortion painful?
Unless the mother is anesthetized (put to sleep), it can be very painful.  Most abortion clinics charge extra for anesthesia. Medical research has also shown that the fetus does feels pain.

Is this pregnancy really human or just a "blob"?
Perhaps the best way to answer this is by telling you how the fetus develops.

By days 18 to 24 (about three weeks after conception), the developing embryo's heart begins to regularly pump blood through tiny blood vessels.

By 6 to 7 weeks, brain waves are detectable on the EEG.

By 8 weeks (2 months), all organs and systems are present in the body and the embryo now becomes medically termed the "fetus," or "young one."  The "young one" responds to painful stimuli and she/he can grasp objects and make a fist.

By 10 weeks, hands and feet are perfectly formed and the unique fingerprints and footprints are permanently engraved in the skin.

By 12 weeks (3 months) after conception, the fetus' development is virtually complete: All organs and systems are functioning; she/he inhales and exhales amniotic fluid to practice breathing and build up the muscles; she/he even gets the hiccups! She/he is sensitive to touch, heat , sound, discomfort, and pain; her/his face shows features inherited from the parents.

The remainder of pregnancy is primarily a time of growth; the majority of development is already complete.  You can follow these links to see this development in pictures.  

Does abortion have emotional or psychological consequences or side-effects?
Many women feel emotional consequences of the "choice" within moments or days after the abortion; others may deny and repress negative feelings for many years.

Abortion may cause one or more of psychological distress (see list below). These symptoms may occur immediately or be delayed. In those with delayed reaction the symptoms may occur weeks or years later following the abortion.

One study showed that 63% of post-abortive women experienced a period of denial following their abortion. This period of time was characterized by a temporary sense of relief. Women in this stage denied any negative feelings associated with the abortion yet exhibited increased psychological and behavioral problems such as those listed below.

• Depression and suicidal thoughts (56%)
• Increased feelings of anger and violence (86%)
• Increased feelings of fear (86%)
• Intense feelings of isolation (82%)
• A loss of self-confidence (75%)
• Sexual dysfunction (75%)
• Sleep disorders (58%)
• Increased difficulty in maintaining relationships (57%)
• Increased substance abuse (53%)

After some consideration, if you still believe abortion is your only solution, be sure to ask the abortion center or hospital personnel the following questions. You have a right to know.

• Have people sued this abortion center because they have been injured by an abortion performed here?
• Can I be permanently damaged by an abortion? Explain the possible side-effects to me.
• Were all of the risks mentioned on this site listed by the abortion center counselor when I asked the above question? If not, ask why.
• Will I be asked to sign a paper releasing the doctor and the abortion center in case I suffer physical or emotional damage because of my abortion.
• If I sign a release form and then have physical problems, will the abortion center or the doctor pay the medical costs to repair the damage? Will they put that in the release form and sign it?
• Does this abortion center have a malpractice insurance to protect me in case a problem arises.
• Does this doctor have malpractice insurance?

If you go to a free-standing abortion center for counseling regarding your pregnancy, please keep in mind that their business depends upon the number of abortions performed.
 

Abortion is forever..........

Think carefully before you have an abortion. The decision you make in the next few weeks will affect you for the rest of your life. Are you willing to accept the fact that you may very likely suffer physical and/or emotional trauma from this procedure? If you are not sure, take more time to think about it. Do not let anyone pressure you into a decision you are not ready to make?Slow down ...... think it over ...... get all the facts first ...... call our Helpline (505-722-3445).