Abortion and the Increased Risk of a Future Miscarriage

Anything that relates to elective abortion tends to inspire heated debate, and a lot of myths and half-truths circulate about how abortion affects physical and mental health. So, is it true that elective abortion increases the risk of miscarriage in a subsequent pregnancy? The short answer is no. However, this answer requires some clarification.

Abortion and Future Miscarriage

Some women undergo surgical abortion via D&C, a procedure to suction uterine contents. Women who suffer infection, hemmorhage, or uterine damage after surgical abortion might be at higher risk for subsequent fertility issues, including miscarriage. Ashermans syndrome, or scarring in the uterus, can result from overzealous curettage.

In other cases, women may opt for medical termination, which carries a low risk (albeit risk nonetheless) for excessive bleeding and the need for surgical intervention. One large study in the New England Journal of Medicine examined 11,800 women who had undergone a first-trimester miscarriage.

The study found that medically induced abortions did not cause an increase in the risk of future miscarriage or other pregnancy complications like ectopic pregnancy, preterm birth, or low birth weight.

Other Considerations

While emotional scarring after elective termination should not be underestimated, it is not a direct cause for subsequent miscarriage. If you are concerned, your best bet is to discuss the matter with your doctor. Here are some things to keep in mind depending on the specifics of your concern:

  • If you have had an elective abortion in the past and are worried about the risk of miscarriage in a future pregnancy, keep in mind the risk of association is minimal.
  • If you have had a miscarriage after a previous elective termination, and you are wondering whether there is a link, it's likely that they were not related.
  • If you are currently considering an elective abortion in an unwanted pregnancy, but you are worried about the ramifications for your future health, talk to your doctor about the least risky option and about what you can do to avoid the need for another elective abortion.

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