Almost 1 million teenagers in the United States become pregnant annually; 78 percent of these girls did not intend to get pregnant, notes the Feminist Women’s Health Center. In 2006, 29.3 percent of white teens ended their pregnancies, as did 22.9 percent of Hispanic teens and 41 percent of black teens, notes "Time" magazine. An abortion can cause a range of medical and emotional issues. Teenagers often delay an abortion, thus increasing the risk of more serious complications from the procedure.
Damage to Uterus
Unexpected surgical accidents can occur during an abortion, causing damage to the uterus, reports the Mayo Clinic. If the uterus in punctured or torn, a teenager may need to have an unplanned hysterectomy.
Infection
When drugs such as oral mifepristone and oral misoprostol were used to end a pregnancy—a method known known as a medical abortion—tissue sometimes remains in the uterus. This tissue may cause health issues such as an infection, notes the Mayo Clinic. If a medical abortion does not completely remove the fetus, a teenager will require a surgical abortion. Infection that occurs after an abortion can be localized or spread throughout the body. In the latter instance, a teenager may experience septic shock as a result of the infection.
Drug Reactions
Drug reactions can occur during a medical abortion. Symptoms can range from nausea, vomiting, cramping, bleeding from the vagina, chills and a fever, notes the Mayo Clinic. The symptoms can appear suddenly and can be life threatening.
Bleeding
Excessive bleeding will sometimes occur during an abortion. This bleeding is due to damage to blood vessels, notes the Mayo Clinic. A hemorrhage can become life threatening if not adequately treated immediately.
Discharge and Pain
Vaginal discharge with an odor and strong pain in the stomach or back are also complications of a medical abortion, reports the Mayo Clinic. All of these symptoms are serious and require immediate medical care.
