Abortion is an emotional and controversial topic that has always divided society. People are either pro-life or pro-choice, and the debate centers on the legal, moral, and ethical issues surrounding abortion. While there are various reasons for abortions ranging from medical to social reasons, the procedure poses a lot of risks.
What is Abortion?
Abortion is the termination of pregnancy by removing the fetus or embryo before it can survive outside the uterus. It is a medical procedure and is classified into two types; medical and surgical abortion. Medical abortion involves the use of medication to end the pregnancy, while surgical abortion involves a minor surgical procedure to remove the fetus or embryo from the uterus.
Risks Associated With Abortion
Despite being in use for several years, abortion is still a high-risk medical procedure. Here are some of the risks associated with abortion:
1. Physical Complications
Abortion can lead to physical complications depending on the method used and the stage of pregnancy. It can cause infection, hemorrhage, bleeding, or damage to the womb, cervix, or other organs. The risks associated with surgical abortion are higher than those of medical abortion. Furthermore, in some cases, incomplete abortion or tissue remnants can lead to severe infections and may require an emergency operation.
2. Psychological and Emotional Complications
Abortion can have severe psychological implications on the woman and her future relationships. Psychological and emotional complications may occur immediately or after some time. Some women develop feelings of guilt, depression, and anxiety after abortion leading to post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. Furthermore, numerous studies have shown that women who undergo abortion have a higher risk of developing substance abuse, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts.
3. Increased Risk of Future Pregnancy Complications
Abortion can increase the risk of future pregnancy complications, including ectopic pregnancy, preterm birth, miscarriage, and infertility. The risk of ectopic pregnancy increases by about three times, which can be life-threatening to the mother. Abortion also increases the risk of premature birth, which is a leading cause of infant mortality. Moreover, it can cause scarring and damage to the cervix and uterus, leading to infertility.
4. Increased Risk of Breast Cancer
Abortion increases the chances of breast cancer. The higher the number of abortions, the higher the risk of developing breast cancer. The reason for this association is not yet clear, but it is believed to be caused by the sudden hormonal changes due to induced abortion.
5. Risk of Death
Although rare, abortion can lead to death. The risks are higher in surgical abortion than in medical abortion. The factors that may increase the risk of death include pre-existing conditions, late-term abortion, inexperienced doctors, and lack of proper medical care. Also, severe infections, hemorrhage, and sepsis can be fatal.
Conclusion
Abortion is still a significant issue because of the many risks associated with it. It is crucial for women to consider the risks before deciding to undergo the procedure. Even though some medical procedures are safer than others, the outcome can be unpredictable. Therefore, it is essential to seek professional advice and counseling before making any decisions. Finally, women should always weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether to undergo an abortion or not.