Long-Term Risks of Abortion

Many women have the near future in mind when considering abortion. But if you’re considering abortion, it’s important for your own health and safety to be informed not only about short-term risks, but also of long-term risks of abortion. Following are some key findings on long-term abortion risks from medical research.

What are long-term risks of abortion on mental health?

A large study found that women who had abortions had rates of mental disorders about 30% higher than those who did not have abortions.

Another study determined women with an induced abortion have a 2x – 3x higher suicide rate compared to non-pregnant women.

And another study showed that women who underwent induced abortion also had significantly higher mental distress over the long term than women whose pregnancies ended by miscarriage.

What are long-term risks of breast cancer after abortion?

Many studies identify a link between induced abortion and an increased risk of breast cancer. If a woman has not reached thirty-two weeks of pregnancy, her breast tissue “will have only partially matured” leaving her with “more sites for cancer initiation.”  The American College of Pediatricians explain that pregnancy multiplies a certain type of new breast cells. Most of these new cells mature after 32 weeks of pregnancy. The mature cells “decrease the likelihood that breast cancer will develop.” Having an abortion can result in a woman keeping more of the new cells that remain more prone to cancer.

What are long-term risks of abortion on premature births?

A review of dozens of studies concluded that induced abortion could affect a woman’s future pregnancies. The review found abortion is associated with a “statistically significant increase in premature births” including “extremely early premature births.” Extremely premature births also have a 38 times higher risk for cerebral palsy. One study noted a 70% increase in premature birth risk after only one abortion.

The review authors consider what may contribute to this increase in premature birth risk. One reason is that “incompetent cervix” is known as a risk for surgical abortions. If the cervix is incompetent, there is a greater risk of not being able to retain the fetus to term. Abortion informed consent forms list “Cervical laceration, incompetent cervix” as a potential risk of the procedure. (https://www.plannedparenthood.org/files/6114/0168/3065/C107e_Disclosure_and_Consent_for_Medical_Surgical_Diagnostic_ProcedureTexas.pdf)

Multiple abortions can also postpone when a woman gives birth. Birth over age 35 is considered a risk factor for premature birth. The review authors also list other possible causes of premature births from abortion as “uterine adhesions, infection, and mental distress.”

What are long-term risks of abortion on infertility

A review of multiple scientific studies identified six different ways there may be a link between abortion and future infertility.

• Cervical damage – For example, with a surgical abortion, a damaged cervix may make it more difficult for sperm to pass or survive unto fertilization.
• Infections and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – Abortions involve an untimely opening of the cervix allowing microbes that can cause PID into the upper genital area. This can cause scarring in the fallopian tubes, making it difficult for sperm and egg to pass through for fertilization. PID can cause infertility in 10-40% of cases.
• Incomplete abortion – If additional surgery is required, the risk of damage or infection increases.
• Damage to uterine lining – With surgical abortion, there is a risk of damaging the lining of the uterus. This can impair future pregnancies from implanting or block sperm from passing.
• Thinning of uterine lining – There is evidence in more than one study that surgical abortions can lead to a thinner uterine lining, which can impair implantation or fail to sustain an embryo.
• Psychological factors – There is some preliminary evidence that psychological factors and/or psychiatric medicines that may follow abortion could be associated with fertility difficulties.

What are some other long-term risks of abortion?

A 2022 review of scientific literature said that abortion was a “risk factor” for future pregnancies to develop placenta previa (in which the placenta obstructs the opening of the cervix). Another study concluded “previous abortions” were a “risk factor” for placental abruption (in which the placenta breaks away from the uterus prematurely).

Next steps

If you’ve experienced an unplanned pregnancy, your health and safety matters, both in the short and long term. The medical professionals at Waterleaf are available to answer your questions and address your concerns. Your first step is to obtain a pregnancy screening and confirm your pregnancy with ultrasound.  Call or text Waterleaf confidentially and judgement-free today at 630-360-2256.