Abortion is a procedure of removing the embryo or fetus together with the placenta from a woman’s uterus. It can be carried out only in special clinics by appropriately educated and licensed specialists.
Types of abortion:
- Aspiration (the embryo and the placenta are suctioned out).
- Salt poisoning of the fetus.
- The use of hormonal contraceptives.
- Scraping.
- Hysterectomy (C-section).
- The use of intrauterine devices.
There is plenty of evidence of physical and mental health consequences for women who choose to terminate a pregnancy artificially.
The physical effects of abortion
Research has shown that abortion has its aftermath. Many women have consequences associated with their physical health:
- infected abortion. In case of a urogenital infection, there is a high risk of infectious complications such as pelvic peritonitis, uterine vein thrombophlebitis, and many others;
- uterus perforation. About 2-3% of women who terminate pregnancies may suffer from uterus perforation. However, in most cases, this disease is not diagnosed and can not be eliminated until the patient goes through a laparoscopic diagnosis. The risk of uterine perforation is increased in women who previously gave birth and those who receive general anesthesia during an abortion;
- cervix ruptures. Most significant cervix ruptures occur in nulliparous women. Cervix ruptures can lead to future delivery complications and premature births. There is also a cervix cancer risk;
Other
- placenta previa – an improper placenta attachment, in which it is inserted partially or wholly in lower uterine segment;
- subsequent premature birth.
- inability to bear the fetus.
- ectopic pregnancy.
- pelvic inflammatory diseases.
- endometritis – the inflammation of the endometrium.
- instant effects: infections, bleeding and even hemorrhage, embolism (blood vessel blockage) complications after the use of anesthesia, convulsions.
Mental effects of abortion
The most common consequence of abortion is the post-abortion syndrome. Post-abortion syndrome (PAS) is the term used to describe the emotional and psychological effects of abortion. PAS symptoms may not occur at once or simultaneously, but sooner or later every woman who has had an abortion will face them.
PAS symptoms:
- a feeling of guilt;
- anger;
- fear and anxiety;
- destruction of personal relationships;
- depression and a sense of loss;
- psychological “numbness”;
- suicide;
- other psychological disorders.
Information for those who plan an abortion
If you decide to have an abortion, maybe you should talk to the women who have already gone through it. Perhaps you are not quite aware of what you are doing and do not know what you can face. Science and life have proven that one in two women who had an abortion feel sorry about that.
