Sanctity of Human Life

Abortion Risks

by David Reardon, Ph.D.

While abortion seems like a "quick fix" for a long-term problem, it is a permanent decision that has physical, emotional and spiritual risks to the mother of the baby.

Physical Risks:

Breast Cancer:
The risk of breast cancer almost doubles after one abortion, and rises even further with two or more abortions.
Cervical, Ovarian, and Liver Cancer:
Women with one abortion face a 2.3 relative risk of cervial cancer, compared to non-aborted women.
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.

Emotional Risks:

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

Here are some possible emotional consequences of abortion:

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

Abortion is a permanent decision that can never be taken back. To get face-to-face and caring counseling for your post-abortion stress, go to www.Optionline.org If you would like resources to help understand about post-abortion you can request them now from our online resource center.

Used with permission. Information taken from the brochure titled, Do YOU really want an Abortion? Item #459, which is available from Easton Publishing Company, Inc., PO Box 1064, Jefferson City, MO 65102. (888) 635-0609, fax number (573) 636-0545, email: info@eatonpublishing.com

David Reardon, Ph.D., has been involved in post-abortion research since 1983. He has published several books available through Easton Publishing Co. at (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.