Abortions are a vital tool - a last resort for terminating unwanted pregnancies. Medical and surgical methods of abortions are available as options to those who want to terminate pregnancies for various reasons, including unsuitable timing to contraception failure.

However, many women fear abortions due to the myths surrounding abortion and its supposed effects on fertility and reproductive health. These myths have no scientific evidence to support them and must be debunked to create awareness among women.

This article lists some common myths, and the facts backed by scientific evidence to debunk them. It also emphasises the role of contraception in preventing unwanted pregnancies.

Myths and Facts About Abortion

1. Myth: Abortion causes infertility

Fact: The magnitude of the impact of abortion on the fertility of a woman is negligible. This myth probably arises from word-of-mouth stories passed through generations from the times when unsafe abortion practices existed. The truth is, there is no scientific evidence of modern abortion causing infertility. Today, abortions are conducted in hospitals, in safe and sterile environments, under strict medical protocols that ensure patient safety.

Scientific research reveals that abortion is not related to future fertility. According to the findings, “First-time mothers with a prior abortion were significantly less likely to be treated for infertility compared with women in their first pregnancy (1.95 versus 5.14 percent, p <.0001), thus suggesting that there is no association between abortion and secondary infertility.”

Use of contraception post-abortion: A majority of women return to normal fertility soon after the abortion; only a few women may face a delay in menstruation after an abortion. So it is advisable to use a safe and effective contraception, such as the non-hormonal oral contraceptive pill - Saheli, after abortion.

2. Myth: Abortion causes long-term damage to the uterus

Fact: The fear of abortions causing uterine damage arises from outdated concerns from the past when abortions were performed without proper medical oversight. Modern abortion methods are conducted in safe environments under the expert care of doctors. Today, both medical and surgical abortions are carried out safely to terminate pregnancies without long-term damage to the uterus.

Complications from abortion are rare, with serious complications occurring in less than 0.5% of cases. A study conducted by the World Health Organization found that, among 170,000 first-trimester abortions conducted in New York City by vacuum aspiration, less than 0.1% of the women experienced serious complications requiring hospitalisation.

3. Myth: Abortion causes stillbirth in future pregnancies

Fact: Safe abortion practices do not increase the likelihood of stillbirth in future pregnancies. The concern about stillbirths typically arises from misinformation surrounding the effects of surgical abortions on the cervix or uterus.

According to the “Lifetime Induced Abortions and Live Births: A 40-Year Historical Cohort Study”, even several induced abortions do not compromise a woman’s general reproductive endpoints.

4. Myth: There is no risk of pre-term birth regardless of the number of abortions.

Fact: While abortion procedures have become safe, and abortion does not have an impact on fertility or the health of children born from subsequent pregnancies, studies have found that there is a link between abortions and the risk of subsequent pre-term childbirth.

A nationwide register-based cohort study in Finland conducted between 1996 and 2013 found that the risk of pre-term births increased exponentially with the number of surgical abortions women had. Multiple abortions significantly increase the risk of extremely preterm birth.

5. Myth: Abortion can increase the risk of breast cancer and mental health issues

Fact: This myth often suggests that abortion can increase the risk of serious chronic diseases or affect the mental health of a woman. However, research shows that abortion performed in a sterile, safe environment does not lead to such chronic issues.

According to the National Health Services (NHS), UK, having an abortion does not increase the risk of breast cancer or mental health issues.

6. Myth: Abortion causes ectopic pregnancy in women

Fact: Safe, legal abortions do not increase the risk of future ectopic pregnancies. Ectopic pregnancies are pregnancies that occur outside the uterus, mostly in the fallopian tube. It can also occur in other parts of the female reproductive system, including the cervix and ovary, or even the abdominal cavity. Since the fertilised egg cannot develop outside the uterus, ectopic pregnancies can cause internal bleeding and even death if not treated on time.

According to the review published in the New England Journal of Medicine, medical abortion was not associated with a significantly increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Contraception: A Tool That Prevents the Need for an Abortion

The myths surrounding safe and legal abortions are baseless, and the numerous research findings bust these myths. However, abortions must be considered as the last option, as prevention is a pain-free and more convenient choice. A proven, safe and effective contraception like Saheli plays a crucial role in preventing an unwanted pregnancy and abortion that follows. So, while it is essential to fight the societal taboo and unfounded myths about abortions, it is better to choose contraception over abortion.

FAQs

1. Is having an abortion dangerous?

When performed by trained doctors, abortions are generally safe. Risks increase with delays or unsafe procedures.

2. Does the abortion pill have severe side effects?

The medication abortion usually causes mild side effects such as cramping, bleeding, nausea, or fatigue. Serious complications, including heavy bleeding or infection, are rare. Most people recover fully with no long-term health effects.

3. Does abortion affect future fertility?

Safe, legal abortions do not affect future fertility. Most people can conceive again when they are ready. Proper post-abortion care ensures healthy recovery and preserves fertility.

4. Does abortion cause breast cancer?

Findings from numerous studies prove that there is no scientific evidence linking abortion to breast cancer.