Expert: Dr. Harriet Johnson - 9/13/2009

Question
Hi, I'm wondering about abortions - and i see you can answer a few questions for me. I'm only 16; but him still wondering about abortions because I believe that they aren't right at all and that people shouldn't be allowed to have them but that's just my personal opinion.
I was wondering could you tell me the dangers of abortions for mothers? The different types, and how females(woman# can cope with their decision - you know how they may feel after it's done #regrets, shame, guilt, etc# But those were all my questions ; so please whenever you get the time PLEASE PLEASE answer them #:
thanks a lot *

Answer
Hi Rashieta,

One of the most common affects of an abortion is inflammation of the cervix. The results of this side effect tend to be very severe. One of the things that it can lead to is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, which can eventually permanently damage your pelvis. It can also lead to Cervical Cancer later on in life. Infertility is another very common affect of having an abortion. This is especially something that you might experience if you decide to have more than one abortion. Another thing that having an abortion may cause is complications during a later pregnancy. Some of the things that you may be faced with if you should decide to get pregnant after an abortion include premature births, an increased chance of having a miscarriage, low infant birth weights, and even infant death.

Grieving, counseling and forgiving yourself are ways which women can cope with terminating a pregnancy.

It is normal for a woman to experience a range of emotions after an abortion, such as relief, sadness, happiness and feelings of loss. Many women feel that they have made the right decision after having an abortion. However for some women abortion can raise negative emotional responses including grief, guilt, anger, shame and regret.