Induced abortion, or intentionally ending pregnancy via drugs or surgery, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States. Early abortions initiated by choice before 12 weeks, called elective abortions, are legal everywhere in the United States. Later abortions, however, are only legal in some states, as enumerated by Merck. When performed by a trained physician, abortion risks are minimal. The risk of complications is greater the more advanced the pregnancy is.
Tearing the Uterus
The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library estimates the risk of a perforation injury of the uterus, or a tear in the uterus, during the surgical abortion to be around 1 in 1,000 abortions. The risk of perforation by an instrument is higher in later abortions than in abortions before 12 weeks because the procedure used in abortions of gestational age more than 12 weeks, dilatation and curettage, carries a higher risk of perforation than suction curettage used for pregnancies less than 12 weeks.
Injury to the Cervix
The cervix is the lowermost part of the uterus before it joins the vagina. It is also called the neck of the uterus because it is the narrowest portion of the uterus and it functions as an entry and exit point. MayoClinic.com points out that the instruments used during the surgical evacuation may tear the cervix. This can weaken the cervix, a condition that could lead to habitual abortion later.
Bleeding and Infection
Severe bleeding during or immediately after the surgical evacuation occurs in 6 out of 100,000 abortions, as stated by the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. If the products of conception are not fully removed and part of the placenta is left behind, the patient could suffer from delayed bleeding. She will also be susceptible to the development of an infection in her uterine cavity. Such infections, although successfully treated by antibiotics, can cause excess scar tissue formation inside the uterus, which may cause infertility. This condition is known as Asherman's syndrome. Sometimes, scarring of the uterine lining occurs after the procedure with no detectable infection preceding it.
