When it comes to abortion and women’s health, misinformation is widespread. To provide clarity, we spoke with Dr. Karysse, our National Medical Director, to answer some of the most common questions about abortion procedures, reproductive health, and maternal care.
When would an abortion be required to save a mother’s life?
Elective abortion, commonly referred to as “abortion,” is when a mother decides to end her pregnancy not related to a physical life-or-death condition. Elective abortion is never required to save a mother’s life. In the rare case that a mother’s life is in danger related to her pregnancy, a medical separation of the baby from the mother will occur. This separation procedure is allowed and carried out in every state, regardless of abortion restriction laws. In the United States, most of the time, a baby is separated from their mother prematurely. The baby can survive outside of the womb with the help of a neonatal intensive care unit.
Is treatment for an ectopic pregnancy considered an abortion?
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a baby grows outside of the uterus. This condition is life-threatening for the mother and requires medical separation of the baby from the mother, but this is not elective abortion.
If I live in a state with an abortion ban, will I be denied miscarriage care?
If abortion is not allowed in your state, every healthcare provider is required by law and oath to treat any maternal complications related to an abortion or miscarriage.
Are medical abortions reversible?
Medical abortions require two separate medications taken on two separate days. If the first day of medication has been taken (mifepristone), progesterone can be taken within 72 hours to reverse the abortion. If the second abortion medication has been taken (misoprostol), there is sadly no way to reverse the abortion.
Is the abortion pill safe?
No, abortion pills are not safe. There are several major immediate and long-term risks of taking abortion pills. Despite the risks, if abortion pills are taken, it is medically necessary to ensure the baby is located inside the uterus; an ultrasound determines this. An ultrasound must determine the gestational age of the baby as well to ensure that the baby is the appropriate size for a medical abortion. Finally, maternal blood type must be obtained to ensure that if the mother is Rh-, the appropriate medication is given to prevent future medical problems.
Immediate risks of the abortion pill include:
- Heavy bleeding with need for blood transfusion
- Uterine damage with need for emergency surgery
- Genitourinary infection with need for IV antibiotics
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe pelvic pain
- Failure to abort the baby
- Retained products of conception
Long-term risks of the abortion pill include:
- 40% increased risk of breast cancer
- 81% increased risk of a mental health disorder like depression or post-traumatic stress disorder
- Infertility
- Regret
Abortion pills prescribed via telehealth… are they safe?
Ordering abortion pills through the mail via a pharmacist or healthcare provider’s office is dangerous and can be life-threatening for the mother. An ultrasound and blood type are necessary tests to be performed before undergoing an abortion to ensure that the baby is inside the uterus and of an appropriate size for a medical abortion. Maternal blood type is required to ensure moms do not form blood antibodies that can attack future pregnancies.
Patients undergoing a medical abortion require close medical attention during and after the procedure because we know medical abortions carry high risks of bleeding, retained products of conception inside of the uterus, infection, and need for blood transfusion and surgery. Abortion pills are unsafe and carry significant long-term health risks for mothers as well.
Stay Informed & Support Life-Affirming Care
As conversations about abortion and maternal health care continue, misinformation spreads rapidly. That’s why we are so grateful for life-affirming doctors like Dr. Karysse, who have made it their mission to share the truth about abortion with women. Women deserve to know the truth about their health, their options, and the risks associated with abortion.
By supporting our mission, you help ensure that more women receive the facts and compassionate care they need to make informed decisions. Join us in bringing truth and support to women.
Want to learn more? Keep reading:
The Statistical Risks of Abortion
Elevating Women’s Healthcare for the Life-Affirming Movement
