IMPACT
ABORTION
Short-Term Health Risks
Abortion procedures, like other medical interventions, carry potential risks that may affect both immediate and longer-term health outcomes. While serious complications are generally uncommon in modern clinical settings, they are documented in medical literature and require prompt recognition and treatment when they occur. ( 1 ) ( 2 )
Hemorrhage is a recognized complication associated with abortion procedures. Although most patients experience only light to moderate bleeding, excessive bleeding can occur and may require medical management such as uterotonic medications, repeat uterine evacuation, or, in rare cases, surgical intervention. Clinical guidance emphasizes the importance of identifying abnormal bleeding and seeking urgent medical evaluation when heavy bleeding is present. ( 3 ) ( 4 )
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Infection is another documented risk. Post-procedural infections may occur if bacteria enter the uterus, particularly in cases involving retained tissue or compromised sterile technique. Clinical symptoms may include fever, abdominal pain, and abnormal or foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are critical to prevent progression to more severe illness. ( 5 )
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Damage to reproductive organs is a recognized but uncommon complication, particularly in surgical abortion procedures that involve cervical dilation and intrauterine instrumentation. Cervical lacerations or uterine injury can lead to bleeding, infection, or scar formation, and in some cases may affect future pregnancy outcomes. Medical guidelines emphasize careful procedural technique and follow-up monitoring to reduce these risks. ( 6 )​
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Uterine perforation is a rare but serious complication associated with instrumented uterine procedures. Perforation can lead to internal bleeding or injury to adjacent organs such as the bowel or bladder, sometimes requiring surgical repair. Although uncommon, it is a well-documented risk in gynecologic procedural literature. ( 6 )
In rare cases, infection can progress to sepsis, a life-threatening systemic inflammatory response to infection. Sepsis requires immediate treatment, typically including intravenous antibiotics, fluid resuscitation, and supportive care due to the risk of septic shock and organ failure. ( 7 )
Long-Term Health Effects
Medical research has examined whether prior uterine or cervical procedures may influence outcomes in later pregnancies. Some large studies have found that women with a history of induced abortion have modestly higher odds of preterm birth in later pregnancies. For example, one large meta-analysis found about a 36% increase in statistical odds of preterm birth after one prior induced abortion and about a 93% increase in statistical odds after multiple prior abortions. ( 8 )
Researchers have proposed several possible biological explanations, including cervical injury or changes to the uterine lining after procedures involving dilation or uterine instrumentation. Studies examining dilation and curettage (used in miscarriage management and some abortion procedures) have also found an association with increased likelihood of later preterm birth. ( 9 ) However, most evidence is observational, and clinical guidelines note that these findings do not establish direct causation. ( 10 )
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Research also shows that abnormal placental attachment—such as placenta previa or placenta accreta spectrum—can increase risks including preterm birth and maternal hemorrhage. Prior uterine surgery or procedures are considered part of the overall risk profile for these conditions, along with factors such as prior cesarean delivery. ( 11 )
Abortion Pill Risks
Medication abortion, most commonly involving the drugs mifepristone followed by misoprostol, is widely used in early pregnancy and has been extensively studied in peer-reviewed medical literature. ( 12 ) Like all medical interventions, however, it carries potential risks. The most commonly reported significant complication is heavy or prolonged bleeding. While bleeding is an expected part of the medication abortion process, a small percentage of patients experience hemorrhage requiring medical treatment, including intravenous fluids, blood transfusion, or surgical intervention. Large cohort studies and systematic reviews consistently report that serious hemorrhage is uncommon but documented in clinical settings, typically occurring in well under 1% of cases. ( 13 ) ( 14 )
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Another recognized risk is incomplete abortion or ongoing pregnancy, in which the medications do not fully end the pregnancy. In these cases, additional doses of medication or a surgical procedure may be required. Reported rates vary depending on gestational age and treatment protocol, with effectiveness generally slightly decreasing as pregnancy progresses. Follow-up care is therefore considered an important part of medication abortion protocols to ensure completion and to monitor for complications. ( 15 )
Infection is also documented in the medical literature, though serious infections are rare. Symptoms may include fever, severe abdominal pain, or abnormal discharge, and most infections respond well to antibiotics when identified early. Another important medical concern is undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy, which medication abortion does not treat. If an ectopic pregnancy is missed, rupture can occur and become life-threatening, which is why screening and evaluation before treatment are emphasized in clinical guidelines. ( 17 )
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In addition to these complications, many patients experience temporary side effects such as nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, diarrhea, and significant cramping. These symptoms are common and typically resolve without long-term harm. Overall, peer-reviewed research generally concludes that serious complications from medication abortion are uncommon, but they remain medically important and require access to follow-up care and emergency treatment when necessary. ( 16 )
Psychological & Emotional Impact
Research in psychology and psychiatry shows that women experience a wide range of emotional responses after abortion. While many report relief or neutral emotions, some experience grief, sadness, regret, guilt, or a sense of loss. These responses appear more likely among women who felt conflicted about the decision, lacked social support, or held moral or religious beliefs that emphasize the value of unborn life.
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Some longitudinal studies have found statistical associations between abortion and later reports of certain mental health challenges. Researchers emphasize that these outcomes are influenced by multiple factors, including prior mental health history, socioeconomic stressors, relationship stability, and life circumstances. In this context, abortion may be one factor among many associated with later emotional distress for some women. ( 18 )
​Clinical and psychological literature also notes that some women report grief responses similar to other forms of pregnancy loss, including persistent sadness, intrusive thoughts, or emotional conflict. However, estimates of how often this occurs vary significantly depending on study design, population, and methodology. ( 19 ) ( 20 )
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Major medical and psychological organizations state that most women do not develop diagnosable long-term mental health disorders directly attributable to abortion. ( 21 ) However, this does not mean abortion is emotionally neutral for all women. Some women report lasting feelings of grief, regret, or emotional pain, highlighting the importance of honest risk discussion and access to emotional and psychological support.
Findings from the Turnaway Study add additional context to understanding emotional outcomes related to abortion decisions. Long-term follow-up data show that women who obtained abortions often reported, even years later, that the decision was right for them. ( 22 ) At the same time, extended analyses of women denied abortions show that emotional responses can change substantially over time. ( 23 ) In long-term reporting, the proportion of women who indicated they no longer wished they had obtained an abortion increased from about 35% one week after denial to approximately 88% by the time of birth, 93% by one year postpartum, and about 96% five years later. ( 24 ) These findings suggest that women denied abortions often adapt to their circumstances over time, while women who obtain abortions may also remain confident in their decision. Together, these results illustrate that different groups of women may follow different emotional trajectories over time.​
Real Stories of Abortion Regret
Page Citations & Notes
​1. World Health Organization. “Abortion Care Guideline.” Geneva: World Health Organization, 2022. Referenced for: the page’s opening point that abortion procedures can involve documented complications, even though serious complications are generally uncommon in modern clinical settings.
2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “Medication Abortion Up to 70 Days of Gestation.” ACOG Practice Bulletin, no. 225, October 2020. Referenced for: the page’s point that serious complications are documented in medical literature and require prompt recognition and treatment.
3. World Health Organization. “Clinical Practice Handbook for Quality Abortion Care.” Geneva: World Health Organization, 2023. Referenced for: hemorrhage as a recognized complication, including the point that heavy bleeding may result from retained tissue, uterine atony, cervical trauma, coagulopathy, or, more rarely, uterine perforation or rupture.
4. National Health Service. “Abortion - Risks.” NHS, reviewed November 13, 2023. Referenced for: the page’s statement that abnormal or heavy bleeding requires urgent medical evaluation.
5. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “Medication Abortion Up to 70 Days of Gestation.” ACOG Practice Bulletin, no. 225, October 2020. Referenced for: infection as a documented risk, with symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, or abnormal discharge, and the importance of prompt treatment.
6. Kerns, Jennifer, et al. “Society of Family Planning Clinical Recommendation: Management of Hemorrhage at the Time of Abortion.” Contraception 129 (2024). Referenced for: cervical laceration and uterine perforation as recognized but uncommon procedural complications, especially with instrumented abortion procedures.
7. Merck Manual Professional Edition. “Sepsis and Septic Shock.” Updated 2023. Referenced for: the page’s statement that infection can, in rare cases, progress to sepsis requiring immediate treatment, including antibiotics, fluids, and supportive care.
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8. Shah, Prakesh S., and Zao, Jena. “Induced Termination of Pregnancy and Low Birthweight and Preterm Birth: A Systematic Review and Meta-analyses.” BJOG 116, no. 11 (2009): 1425–42. Referenced for: the page’s statement that one large meta-analysis found about a 36% increase in the statistical odds of preterm birth after one prior induced abortion and about a 93% increase after multiple prior abortions.
9. Lemmers, Marianne, et al. “Dilatation and Curettage Increases the Risk of Subsequent Preterm Birth: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.” Human Reproduction 31, no. 1 (2016): 34–45. Referenced for: the page’s point that studies of dilation and curettage have found an association with later preterm birth.
10. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. “The Care of Women Requesting Induced Abortion.” RCOG Evidence-Based Clinical Guideline, November 2011. Referenced for: the page’s caution that most evidence on later pregnancy outcomes is observational and does not by itself establish direct causation.
11. Jauniaux, Eric, et al. “FIGO Consensus Guidelines on Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorders: Epidemiology.” International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics 140, no. 3 (2018): 265–73. Referenced for: the page’s statement that abnormal placental attachment, including placenta previa and placenta accreta spectrum, is associated with serious risks such as preterm birth and maternal hemorrhage, and that prior uterine procedures are part of the overall risk profile.
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12. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Information about Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation.” FDA, January 17, 2025. Referenced for: the page’s description of medication abortion most commonly involving mifepristone followed by misoprostol in early pregnancy.
13. Cleland, Kelly, et al. “Significant Adverse Events and Outcomes After Medical Abortion.” Obstetrics & Gynecology 121, no. 1 (2013): 166–71. Referenced for: the page’s statement that serious hemorrhage and other major complications from medication abortion are uncommon but documented.
14. Upadhyay, Ushma D., et al. “Incidence of Emergency Department Visits and Complications After Abortion.” Obstetrics & Gynecology 125, no. 1 (2015): 175–83. Referenced for: the page’s statement that hemorrhage requiring treatment is uncommon and generally occurs in well under 1% of cases.
15. Raymond, Elizabeth G., et al. “First-Trimester Medical Abortion With Mifepristone 200 mg and Misoprostol: A Systematic Review.” Contraception 87, no. 1 (2013): 26–37. Referenced for: the page’s point that incomplete abortion or ongoing pregnancy can occur and that effectiveness varies by gestational age and protocol.
16. Kapp, Nathalie, et al. “A Review of Evidence for Safe Abortion Care.” Contraception 98, no. 1 (2018): 1–6. Referenced for: the page’s statement that follow-up care is an important part of medication abortion protocols and that temporary side effects such as cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and diarrhea are common.
17. Chen, M., and Creinin, Mitchell D. “Mifepristone With Buccal Misoprostol for Medical Abortion: A Systematic Review.” Obstetrics & Gynecology 126, no. 1 (2015): 12–21. Referenced for: the page’s point that undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy is a serious concern because medication abortion does not treat it.
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18. Fergusson, David M., L. John Horwood, and Elizabeth M. Ridder. “Abortion in Young Women and Subsequent Mental Health.” Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 47, no. 1 (2006): 16–24. Referenced for: the page’s statement that some longitudinal studies have found statistical associations between abortion and later reports of certain mental health challenges, while also acknowledging multiple confounding life factors.
19. Major, Brenda, et al. “Abortion and Mental Health: Evaluating the Evidence.” American Psychologist 64, no. 9 (2009): 863–90. Referenced for: the page’s statement that women report a wide range of emotional responses after abortion and that estimates vary significantly depending on study design, population, and methodology.
20. Coleman, Priscilla K. “Abortion and Mental Health: Quantitative Synthesis and Analysis of Research Published 1995–2009.” British Journal of Psychiatry 199, no. 3 (2011): 180–86. Referenced for: the page’s point that some literature reports associations between abortion and later emotional or mental-health difficulties, though this area remains highly debated.
21. American Psychological Association Task Force on Mental Health and Abortion. “Report of the APA Task Force on Mental Health and Abortion.” Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, 2008. Referenced for: the page’s statement that major medical and psychological organizations say most women do not develop diagnosable long-term mental health disorders directly attributable to abortion.
22. Rocca, Corinne H., et al. “Emotions and Decision Rightness over Five Years Following an Abortion: An Examination of Decision Difficulty and Abortion Stigma.” Social Science & Medicine 248 (2020): 112704. Referenced for: the page’s statement that women who obtained abortions often reported, even years later, that the decision was right for them.
23. Rocca, Corinne H., et al. “Emotions over Five Years After Denial of Abortion in the United States: Contextualizing the Effects of Abortion Denial on Women’s Health and Lives.” Social Science & Medicine 269 (2021): 113567. Referenced for: the page’s statement that emotional responses among women denied abortions changed over time and often became more positive.
24. Foster, Diana Greene. The Turnaway Study: Ten Years, a Thousand Women, and the Consequences of Having—or Being Denied—an Abortion. New York: Scribner, 2020. Referenced for: the page’s specific figures that the share of women who no longer wished they had obtained an abortion increased from about 35% one week after denial to approximately 88% by birth, 93% by one year postpartum, and about 96% by five years.
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