Understanding the Risks: Examining the Abortion Pill
We understand that abortion, especially the abortion pill and abortion pill reversal are controversial topics that involve religious and political values and principles of healthcare. This blog post is not meant to provide a political position, but rather to give a fair assessment of the risks associated with the abortion pill. Our goal is to help you have facts about your health decision. We are journalists, not medical professionals or political pundits, and as journalists, we are providing you with information we found in our research. In this blog post, we will delve into the risks of the abortion pill, supported by reputable sources and scientific evidence.
Examining the Abortion Pill
Nearly every medication has side effects. Here are some of the risks to consider.
Common Side Effects: The abortion pill can cause certain side effects, most of which are temporary and mild. These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fatigue. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), these side effects are typically expected and well-managed through medication and supportive care [1].
Incomplete Abortion: In some cases, the abortion pill may not completely terminate the pregnancy, leading to an incomplete abortion. The ACOG reports that the likelihood of an incomplete abortion is generally around 2-5% [1]. If an incomplete abortion occurs, you will still be pregnant.
Heavy Bleeding: The abortion pill can cause heavy bleeding. The ACOG explains that bleeding can be heavier and last longer than a typical menstrual period. However, severe or prolonged bleeding may occur in rare cases, necessitating medical attention [1]. It is crucial to contact a healthcare provider if bleeding is excessively heavy or if clots larger than a lemon persist for more than a few hours.
Infection: While infections following medication abortion are rare, they can occur. The ACOG states that the risk of infection is estimated to be less than 1% [1]. Signs of infection may include fever, severe abdominal pain, prolonged heavy bleeding, and foul-smelling discharge. Seeking prompt medical attention is essential if any of these symptoms are experienced.
Allergic Reactions: Although extremely rare, allergic reactions to the medications used in the abortion pill can occur. The ACOG emphasizes that severe allergic reactions are exceedingly uncommon [1]. Signs of an allergic reaction may include difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face or throat, and severe dizziness. If any symptoms of an allergic reaction are present, immediate medical attention should be sought.
Ectopic Pregnancy: Before initiating a medication abortion, it is crucial to rule out the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy. The ACOG notes that medication abortion is not effective for terminating ectopic pregnancies, which occur when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus [1]. Ectopic pregnancies require immediate medical intervention to prevent life-threatening complications.
Pregnancy Termination: While it may seem obvious if the abortion pill is effective, it ends the life of the baby. While the morality of abortion is debated in Western culture, we feel obligated to note that our research shows that scientists agree that from the moment of conception, the fetus has its own DNA, distinct from the mother, and is engaged in rapid cellular multiplication and specialization. [2] Put simply, even as an embryo, the baby is a distinct human life.
Emotional Suffering: According to the National Library of Medicine, at least one-third of women who have an abortion experience psychological side effects. [3] Depression, grief, and more serious issues related to emotional well-being are common after abortions.
Understanding the potential risks associated with the abortion pill is essential for individuals considering this method of pregnancy termination. While risks exist, it is important to remember that complications are relatively rare. Seeking care from a qualified healthcare provider, discussing any concerns, and receiving accurate information are paramount to making informed decisions about reproductive health.
Citations:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). Induced Abortion. Practice Bulletin No. 225. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 138(2), e35-e48. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004458.
Shahbazi MN. Mechanisms of human embryo development: from cell fate to tissue shape and back. Development. 2020 Jul 17;147(14):dev190629. doi: 10.1242/dev.190629. PMID: 32680920; PMCID: PMC7375473. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7375473/
Pourreza A, Batebi A. Psychological Consequences of Abortion among the Post Abortion Care Seeking Women in Tehran. Iran J Psychiatry. 2011 Winter;6(1):31-6. PMID: 22952518; PMCID: PMC3395931. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3395931/