crisis pregnancy

Abortion Risks

Physical risks

  • Breast Cancer. The risk of breast cancer almost doubles after one abortion, and rises even further with two or more abortions.
  • Cervical Cancer. Women who have had one abortion face a 2.3 relative risk of cervical cancer, compared to women who have never had an abortion.
  • Placenta Previa. Abortion increases the risk of placenta previa in later pregnancies (a life-threatening condition for both the mother and her wanted pregnancy.)
  • Immediate Complications. Approximately 10 percent of women undergoing elective abortion will suffer immediate complications of which approximately one-fifth (2 percent) are considered life-threatening. 1

Emotional risks

Many women rationalize the need for an abortion, repressing any initial feelings of guilt. As a result, emotional reactions to abortion are delayed, sometimes for as long as five to 10 years.

  • Sad mood
  • Sudden and uncontrollable crying episodes
  • Deterioration of self-concept
  • Sleep, appetite and sexual disturbances
  • Reduced motivation
  • Disruption in interpersonal relationships
  • Extreme guilt and anxiety
  • Psychological "numbing"
  • Depression and thoughts of suicide 2

David Reardon, Ph.D., has been involved in post-abortion research since 1983 and has published several books available through Easton Publishing Co. at 1-888-635-0609. Dr. Reardon founded the Elliot Institute in 1988 to promote original research and education on the effects of abortion on women, men, families and society.

The complete brochure (item 459) is available from:

Easton Publishing Company, Inc.

P.O. Box 1064

Jefferson City, MO 65102

1-888-635-0609

[email protected]

  1. List of Major Physical Sequelae Related to Abortion, www.afterabortion.org.
  2. Paul C. Reisser, M.D., and Teri K. Reisser, M.S., "Identifying and Overcoming Post-Abortion Syndrome," (Colorado Springs: Focus on the Family, 1994), pg. 11.

Background Information

Behind the Scenes of a Teen Pregnancy
A look at the thoughts and feelings she — and you — are going through.

Deciding About Adoption
When considering adoption as an alterative to raising your baby, these answers may dispel adoption myths.

Questions and Answers

Why do I feel like this pregnancy has pulled me in so many different directions? I feel so overwhelmed with all the ramifications of this decision I must make. How can I sort it all out?
Answer

My pregnant daughter has her whole life still ahead of her. Would it be better for her to place her baby with a family through adoption, parent her baby or have an abortion?
Answer

Review Frequently Asked Questions

Stories

Things Seen and Unseen
A woman in a white coat walked into the room and flipped on the fluorescent lights, jarring my wife awake. The jarring was just beginning.

Left to Suffer
Abortion can leave a woman feeling more empty and alone than she ever dreamed possible.

Life is Sacred
Sometimes the choices we make bring pain. Thankfully, one woman turned to God for healing.

Taboo Grief: Men and Abortion
It's not something most men talk about, but the ones who've lost a child to abortion bear many scars.

If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.
Share Your Story

Other Things to Consider

Faith Helps
God may be the only person who understands what you're going through.

What the Choice is All About
For a long time it baffled me. I could never understand why anyone would want to be pro-choice. But this past week I finally got it.

RelationshipsBlended Families, Parents and Adult Children

TransitionsPreparing for Adolescence, Empty Nest