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

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*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.