What Are the Risks of Abortion?

November 3, 2025

Are you considering abortion as an option for your pregnancy? Many women feel overwhelmed by the thought of parenting or are uncertain about adoption, and abortion may seem like the only path forward.

But abortion is a serious medical procedure, and like any procedure, it carries risks. Understanding these risks can help you make an informed decision for your health and future.

Crossroads Care Center is here to help as you weigh these options. We offer no-cost pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, resources, and more.

Types of Abortion

There are two primary types of abortion: medical and surgical.

• Medical abortion (the abortion pill): This involves taking two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, within the first ten weeks of pregnancy. Mifepristone blocks progesterone to end the pregnancy, and misoprostol empties the uterus by causing contractions to trigger abdominal cramps and vaginal bleeding.
• Surgical abortion: Performed in a clinic, this procedure includes dilating the cervix and using suction, scraping tools, and sometimes forceps to remove the pregnancy. A D&C is common up to 13 weeks, while a D&E is performed after 13 weeks.

Physical Risks

Like any medical procedure, abortion carries physical risks. According to the Mayo Clinic, possible complications of medical abortion include:

• Heavy or prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort
• Incomplete abortion, sometimes requiring surgery

Risks of surgical abortion include:

• Damage to the cervix
• Perforation of the uterus
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall that could affect future fertility
• Infection

Emotional and Psychological Risks

Beyond the physical risks, many women experience emotional challenges after abortion. Women can feel a range of emotions, such as grief, loss, relief, and sadness.

These effects and grief reactions can appear right away or surface years later, making support and counseling an important part of recovery.

Why Pregnancy Confirmation Matters

Before making any decision, it’s important to confirm details such as how far along you are and whether the pregnancy is progressing with a heartbeat with an ultrasound scan.

An ultrasound can also rule out conditions like ectopic pregnancy, which can be life-threatening if undetected. Skipping this step may increase your risks and leave you without the full picture.

Visit Crossroads Care Center for free and confidential pregnancy services. We are here to give you clarity and support as you explore your options.