Emotional Effects

Depression, guilt, unresolved grief or sense of loss, anxiety, outbursts of rage, loneliness, flashbacks of the abortion, sudden and uncontrollable crying, trouble concentrating, poor self concept, drug and alcohol abuse, suicidal thoughts or attempts, preoccupation with becoming pregnant again, emotional numbness, inability to forgive oneself, school &/or work problems

Although abortions have become safer in the United States since legalization in 1973, complications still occur. As with any surgery there are always risk factors:

 

Physical Effects

Hemorrhage, shock, adverse reaction to the chemicals used, cervical tearing, perforation of the uterus, nausea, vomiting, risk of miscarriage in later pregnancies, Infection

Women suffer these symptoms in varying degrees. Some women experience many of the listed symptoms; others experience only a few. Many women are relieved following the abortion procedure, but find themselves later coping with feelings they did not expect.