Is abortion dangerous?
When a medical or a surgical abortion is done properly, it is a very safe procedure. The risk of having a complication is less than 1% for medical abortion and around 1% for surgical abortion [1] If you experience a complication after medical or surgical abortion, it is advised you seek medical care in a timely manner. Knowing when to seek help will protect your health and fertility, and prevent a dangerous situation.
There are two methods to have an abortion in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy: medical and surgical. Medical abortion can be done with Mifepristone and Misoprostol or Misoprostol only. A surgical abortion at this stage is done with a technique called vacuum aspiration [2].
[1] Ipas. (2019). Clinical Updates in Reproductive Health. L. Castleman & N. Kapp (Eds.). Chapel Hill, NC: Ipas. Retrieved from: https://www.ipas.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Ipas-Clinical-Updates-in-Reproductive-Health-CURHE23b.pdf
[2] Ipas. Steps for performing manual vacuum aspiration using the Ipas MVA Plus® and EasyGrip® cannulae. Retrieved from: https://www.ipas.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PERFMVA_E23.pdf
Abortion facts
- Can I use abortion pills to prevent pregnancy as a method of contraception?
- What is the difference between morning after-pill and abortion pill?
- If I am unsure about having an abortion, what are the other options in front of me?
- What are the two main types of abortion?
- Why are women choosing to get an abortion?
- What are the unsafe methods of abortion?
- What is the difference between Mifepristone & Misoprostol?
- What are the abortion pills? What’s in them?
- What is the difference between medical and surgical abortion?
- What is the difference between a miscarriage and an abortion?
- Is abortion dangerous?
- What are the risks and complications associated with abortion pills?
- Will I need a doctor’s prescription to buy abortion pills?
- Why do other websites have different information about abortion pills?
*Nothing provided herein should be construed as professional medical advice and no medication / pills should be used without a prescription from a licensed / registered medical practitioner eligible to prescribe such medication in your local jurisdiction.