Side Effects of Abortion
Abortion Pill Risks
Before taking the abortion pill, its important to understand the possible risks and complications.
Excessive bleeding: In some cases, bleeding can be severe and require urgent medical care or even a transfusion. The FDA-approved labeling for Mifeprex includes a warning about serious and sometimes fatal bleeding.
Infection: Although rare, serious infections can occur. Symptoms may include fever, severe abdominal pain, or foul-smelling discharge. Seek help if you experience any of these symptoms.
Ectopic pregnancy: The abortion pill doesn’t treat an ectopic pregnancy (when a pregnancy occurs outside the uterus). Get an ultrasound first to confirm the location of the pregnancy.
Incomplete abortion: In some cases, the abortion pill may not end the pregnancy. Fetal tissue may remain in the uterus, which would require additional medical treatment.
A 2025 report from the Ethics and Public Policy Center found that over 10% of women experienced at least one serious adverse event within 6 weeks after taking the abortion pill. For more information about potential abortion pill risks, read the FDA-approved Mifeprex label information.
Mosaic Virginia offers no-cost pregnancy testing and ultrasounds in a confidential setting.
Surgical Abortion Risks
According to the Mayo Clinic, a surgical abortion may have the following risks:
Perforation of the uterus: when an instrument pokes a hole in the uterus. A surgical procedure may be required to repair it.
Damage to the cervix: If the cervix is torn, you may need stitches.
Scar tissue in uterus: can lead to unusual or painful periods and future miscarriages, if not treated.
Infection: Infection after a D&C is possible, but rare. Symptoms may include fever, chills, and abdominal pain. If you feel any symptoms, seek medical care quickly.
For your safety, do NOT have a surgical abortion if you have an inserted IUD (intrauterine device), a possible ectopic pregnancy, and/or bleeding disorder. We offer free ultrasounds to rule out an ectopic pregnancy.
Emotional Side Effects of Abortion
If you are considering abortion, you may be wondering about possible emotional side effects. It’s normal to feel emotional before and during an abortion. Women also report a wide range of emotions after an abortion.
You may experience some feelings immediately and others gradually over time. Every woman and situation is different.
Talk with one of our advocates before having an abortion to better understand these possibilities.
Potential Emotional Side Effects of abortion include:
Depression or Sadness
Anxiety
Grief or Regret
Avoidance of Emotional Attachment
Flashbacks or Nightmares
Possible Substance Abuse
It is important to be fully informed prior to any medical procedure. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You can also talk to others who have had an abortion.
Contact us to discuss all of your pregnancy options. No pressure. No judgment.
If you choose to have an abortion and are struggling emotionally afterwards, please come and speak with us. We offer post abortion support and recovery services. We are always here for you.