If you are ever in the heartbreaking situation of an unwanted pregnancy, you may be better off not carrying to term. As long as you are early into your pregnancy, you can undergo an abortion to peacefully end it.  

The exact timing depends on the laws of the state you live in, but most abortions occur in the first trimester and a much smaller percentage happen during the second trimester. No state may ban abortions during the first trimester, so this option will always be available.

While you may not desire a child, the thought of an abortion can be extremely daunting. With so much controversy, it can be difficult to understand what information is accurate. For comprehensive pregnancy support, turn to the Atwell Centre, offering a range of services distinct from an abortion clinic Hamilton.

In particular, you may be wondering if it is safe to get an abortion. We will go over this below to provide you with some peace of mind!    

Complications Are Rare

To start, you should know that complications from an abortion are extremely rare.

For reference, roughly 1% of first-trimester abortions experience a complication. This doubles for second-trimester procedures. This means that your greatest odds of avoiding a complication is to have an earlier procedure. 

After an abortion in one of the Portland abortion clinics, it is normal to feel discomfort and bleeding for a few days afterward or longer if you take the medicinal route. Temporary psychological challenges are also likely as you experience feelings of anger, sadness, guilt, and relief.

Nothing should last longer than a few weeks. If you are still feeling off, then this would prompt a visit to the doctor. Fortunately, this is unlikely to happen with most abortions.  

Delays Increase Risk

One of the most important considerations is that delays increase your overall risk level. 

If a first-trimester procedure is your safest option, then anything that pushes you out of that window is hazardous. Unfortunately, delays are not usually because of something you do.

Delays tend to happen because of bureaucracy. Each state has different laws on abortion and what you must do before having a procedure completed.

Some states are decisively pro-life, meaning that their requirements are meant to deter women from getting abortions. This includes unnecessary and damaging experiences like a mandatory waiting period, counseling, and ultrasound before your appointment. 

For most states, 20 weeks is the cutoff for when an abortion can be completed. Some states extend this to fetus viability, which is often around 24 weeks. Your safest time is before 12 weeks, which should fall well before a legal cutoff.

That said, the longer you wait to get an abortion, the greater the risk of a complication. The delays you are forced to endure are undeniably painful and unnecessary. 

No Effect On Fertility

Another crucial point is that undergoing an abortion will not affect your fertility. 

Some women are hesitant to pursue an abortion, because they fear it will affect their ability to have a child in the future. This is a common belief, but it is a misconception. 

Abortion will not impact your fertility. One exception to this is if your womb becomes infected, which can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and potential infertility. 

However, womb infections are exceptionally rare and can be caused by any procedure involving your reproductive organs.  

Taking things a step further, an abortion does not make you more likely to develop cancer or other serious health conditions. This makes it a safe option for women needing an alternative solution to childbirth. 

Both Approaches Are Safe

If you want to undergo an abortion, then you can often either do it medicinally or surgically. Both approaches are safe and primarily vary based on other health conditions or the timing of the pregnancy. 

The first option is medicinal. This is typically only available during the first trimester of pregnancy. It generally involves swallowing a pill that ends the pregnancy and causes a removal of the fetus. 

Most women can undergo a medicinal abortion, but if you are taking conflicting medication for other conditions then this may prohibit you. Speaking with your doctor will determine if you are eligible for one. 

The other option is less common and that is a surgical procedure. It can be done in the middle stages of pregnancy and involves a fairly quick procedure with some brief rest afterward.

Neither method of abortion is dangerous, because the process is an expedited way of how your body naturally works. It does not require any cutting or corrective work to repair. 

Regardless of which approach you use, you are likely to feel physically better in a few weeks. It is normal to face emotional challenges for a while, so leaning on those around you for support is essential to recovery.

Closing Thoughts

Many women are put in the impossible situation of having a pregnancy they do not want. Whether you lack the financial means or just are not ready for kids, an abortion is often the best choice for preserving your future.

If you have concerns about your safety, then know that abortions are low-risk. This is because complications are rare, there is no effect on fertility, and both medicinal and surgical approaches are safe. Keep in mind that delays will increase your risk as later abortions are riskier.

While you may feel pressure about your choice, only you know what is best for you. Whatever you decide, know that an abortion is an extremely safe out that gives you the time to properly prepare for having a child should you want one in the future!