Frequently asked questions about abortion

Abortion as an option

Abortion is a termination of pregnancy and one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States. It is estimated that about 40% of all women will end at least one pregnancy by abortion, at some point in their lives. In the United States, abortions are legal since 1973, and more than 1.2 million surgical abortions are performed each year. However, there are some parts of the world where abortion is still illegal. It is estimated that somewhere between 10 and 20 million abortions are illegally performed each year across the world. Illegal abortions are responsible for about 13% of all deaths of women. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about abortion.

Abortion: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the risks of having an abortion? A legal early surgical abortion, performed within the first three months of pregnancy, is considered a very safe procedure. There are very few side effects from early abortions, and they do not include any kind of future complications such as miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, or birth defects.

What is a medical abortion? Medical abortion is a safe procedure that uses medications and pharmaceutical drugs to end a pregnancy. A woman can do it on her own at home, as it does not require any anesthesia or surgery. It can only be performed in early pregnancy. Associated risks include incomplete abortion, allergic reaction to the medication, excessive bleeding, and undetected ectopic pregnancy, which can be fatal if left untreated.

Are women who had an abortion able to get pregnant again? Yes, even if a woman has a couple of abortions, she will be able to get pregnant again. Abortions do not cause any kind of reproductive health problems. It is even considered safer than childbirth.

What to consider about abortion? Abortion is a personal choice and there is no definite answer to the question, whether it is right or wrong. Individuals should follow their own our moral, cultural and religious beliefs and resist any kind of pressure into having an abortion if it does not feel like a right thing to do.

How much does it cost? A standard surgical abortion costs about $295, while medical abortion costs $350. The exact price varies from one region to another. However, there are certain organizations that can help a woman pay for the cost of the procedure if she cannot afford it. Some clinics even offer sliding fee scales, to make this option available even for low-income women.