“Can Abortion Cause Death? Examining the Evidence”

Contents of This Post:

Understanding the Scope: Mortality Rates and Abortion
Safe vs. Unsafe Abortions: A Critical Distinction
Medical Abortion: Evaluating the Risks
Surgical Abortion: Procedures and Potential Complications
Factors Contributing to Mortality: Beyond the Procedure

The question of mortality with abortion procedures elicits significant concern. Misinformation and emotional responses often obscure the factual landscape. We aim to address this complex issue with clarity and evidence-based analysis.

Safe, medically performed abortions are common procedures in countries with legal abortions, including India. However, acknowledging potential risks is essential. We will examine the available statistical data and explore the factors that contribute to mortality during or after an abortion procedure.

A critical distinction will be made between safe, legal procedures and unsafe, illegal practices, as this significantly impacts outcomes. We will delve into the specific risks associated with medical and surgical abortion methods.

We aim to provide a balanced perspective, empowering readers with accurate information to make informed decisions. Let us proceed to examine the evidence and address the concerns surrounding abortion and mortality.

Understanding the Scope: Mortality Rates and Abortion:

To accurately assess the risk of mortality associated with abortion, an examination of statistical data is essential. Public health organizations collect and analyse mortality rates, including those associated with abortion. Data consistently indicates that safe, legal abortions carry a very low risk of death.

Notably, childbirth presents a significantly higher mortality risk than legal abortion. Research supports the assertion that legal abortions are among the safest medical procedures available.

However, abortion-related deaths do occur, and a critical distinction must be made between legal and illegal procedures. Illegal abortions significantly contribute to maternal mortality worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) documents the devastating impact of unsafe abortion practices, revealing that they account for a substantial proportion of maternal deaths. This underscores the critical importance of access to safe, legal abortion services.

Mortality rates with abortion are influenced by various factors, including:

Gestational age at the time of the procedure.
The woman’s overall health.
The availability of quality healthcare services.
And the legal status of abortion in the given region because most unsafe abortion attempts happen in the absence of legal access to safe abortions.

Analysis of these factors provides a more nuanced understanding of the risks. While safe abortions are generally very safe, complications can arise. Therefore, ensuring access to safe, legal abortion services and working to eliminate unsafe abortion practices remains crucial.

Safe vs. Unsafe Abortions: A Critical Distinction:

India’s legal framework governs abortion practices, yet unsafe abortions remain a significant public health concern because they still happen.

The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act of 1971, as amended, outlines the legal conditions under which abortions can be performed. Safe abortions, conducted by registered medical practitioners in approved facilities, adhere to these guidelines. These procedures prioritize women’s health, employing sterile techniques and evidence-based practices.

Conversely, unsafe abortions encompass procedures performed by unqualified individuals, in unsanitary environments, or using dangerous methods.

Unsafe abortion practices often involve:

Insertion of foreign objects into the uterus.
Ingestion of harmful substances like self-medication with abortion pills or unregulated MTP kits or even regulated Unwanted kits but without prescription.
Trying unproven, unsafe and unregulated DIY abortion methods like consuming a lot of papaya for abortion.
Procedures performed without proper medical training.

The distinction between safe and unsafe abortions directly impacts mortality rates. Data from India’s National Family Health Survey (NFHS) reveals that unsafe abortions contribute significantly to maternal mortality. There are reports that close to 8 women die each day due to complications related to unsafe abortions.

This occurs due to complications such as:

Severe infections.
Hemorrhage.
Incomplete abortions.
Uterine perforation.

Access to safe abortion services remains uneven across India. Rural areas and marginalized communities often face limited access to qualified healthcare providers and approved facilities. This disparity increases the likelihood of women resorting to unsafe methods.

The reasons for unsafe abortion practices in India are largely due to lack of knowledge, the want of anonymity and sometimes to cut the cost of a safe abortion. Legal restrictions and social stigma surrounding abortion also contribute to the prevalence of unsafe practices. When women face barriers to accessing safe, legal services, they may seek out clandestine and dangerous alternatives.

However, safe abortion is legally available to both married and unmarried women at any registered abortion centre near you. And many private abortion clinics offer complete anonymity under their confidential abortion services as well.

Therefore, the critical distinction between safe and unsafe abortions underscores the need for:

Improved access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare services.
Increased awareness of legal abortion options.
Reduction of social stigma surrounding abortion.
Strict adherence to the MTP Act.

Medical Abortion: Evaluating the Risks with Abortion Pills:

Medical abortion, utilizing medications such as mifepristone and misoprostol, offers a non-surgical option for terminating early pregnancies, by which we mean up to 6 weeks intrauterine pregnancies. In India, the MTP Act permits medical abortion under specific gestational limits. When administered and monitored by a registered medical practitioner, medical abortion presents a relatively safe procedure.

However, potential risks and complications exist:

Incomplete Abortion:

This occurs when the medication fails to expel all pregnancy tissue. It necessitates further medical intervention, often a surgical procedure. An incomplete abortion is the most common complication with abortion pills. Besides, the risk prevails even if a doctor prescribes an Unwanted Kit or abortion pills after complete patient evaluation. And that’s because abortion pills are not 100% efficient even if dose considerations and patient-specific factors have been taken into account.

Sometimes women do not bleed at after taking abortion pills or Unwanted Kit, that also can indicate a failed or an incomplete abortion.

So, women who are looking for a successful procedure without the anxiety or fear of the probability of an unsuccessful abortion can opt for suction abortion. Gentle Care suction abortion is available at Bangalore Genesis Hospital (BGH), a registered abortion centre. It also offers single-appointment same-day discharge option for terminating pregnancies with nearly 100% efficiency up to 12 weeks.

Even women who are eligible for abortion pills can opt for this procedure safely and without fearing uncertainty about the procedure’s success. Moreover, this offers a safe alternative to invasive surgical abortion for up to 12 weeks when abortion pills become ineffective. As the fetal size increases, the risk of incomplete abortion increases.

Excessive Bleeding:

Heavy or prolonged bleeding can occur, potentially leading to anaemia. Anaemic patients or patients with some specific medical conditions can also experience heavy bleeding, even necessitating blood transfusion. Then, there are some women taking certain medicines that can impact a medical abortion and lead to more than usual bleeding. For instance, blood thinners can increase the chances of heavy bleeding during or after an abortion.

Infection:

Infections can often develop, requiring antibiotic treatment. Although this method does not involve any external instrument, but dilated cervix can allow bacteria to enter the reproductive tract resulting in infection. Besides, unhygienic standards during post-abortion care can also contribute to the risk of infection with abortion.

An untreated infection can result in sepsis which can be fatal. Hence, although abortion with pills may not directly bring death but can lead to a complication, which if left untreated can have a fatal outcome.

Undiagnosed Ectopic Pregnancy:

Medical abortion is contraindicated in ectopic pregnancies, which can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated. Proper diagnosis is crucial. Ectopic pregnancies can rupture within the body and result in fatal conditions. This is when an abortion (self-medication without ruling out an ectopic pregnancy) can lead to death.

It is highly critical to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy and remove it as soon as possible. It is possible to remove an ectopic pregnancy before it ruptures. So, as soon as you realize you are pregnant, do not wait to rule out its risk through an ultrasound scan.

Whether the pregnancy is wanted, unwanted or you are still deciding on your available options, please get a scan to rule out the risk of ectopic pregnancy at the earliest. What you want to do with an intrauterine pregnancy can wait as abortion in Bangalore is an available option till 20 weeks in most cases. However, an ectopic pregnancy may not wait and rupture at any moment leading to life-threatening conditions.

Allergic Reactions:

Though uncommon, allergic reactions to the medications can occur. Death from an allergic reaction to abortion medicines is not known so far. However, allergies can occur and can cause ill effects on the patient.

To mitigate these risks, healthcare providers adhere to established protocols. These are:

Thorough Patient Evaluation:

They conduct a comprehensive medical history review and physical examination to ensure the patient is a suitable candidate. The evaluation usually includes an ultrasound to find the exact length of the pregnancy and also check if it’s intrauterine or ectopic. This ensures the procedure falls within legal and medical guidelines.

Then, there will be a review of any known allergies, blood analysis, medicines you may be taking and a routine check of vitals to check for any abnormality. This not only helps the doctor check the eligibility of a patient for a medical abortion but also helps her adjust any dose or mode of administration to improve the success rate of abortion.

Detailed Instructions and Counselling:

The doctor provides clear instructions on medication administration, what to expect, potential side effects, and warning signs. Also, the doctor explains to the patient how to manage the abortion at home since abortion with pills is an at-home abortion method.

Follow-up Appointments:

The doctor can schedule a follow-up appointment to confirm a complete abortion and address any complications.

Access to Emergency Care:

Abortion doctors ensure patients have access to emergency medical care should complications arise.

The risk of mortality associated with medical abortion is exceedingly low, especially when performed under proper medical supervision. However, the importance of adherence to medical guidelines and prompt management of any complications cannot be overstated.

Surgical Abortion: Procedures and Potential Complications:

Surgical abortion procedures, including suction aspiration and dilation and evacuation (D&E), are performed by registered medical practitioners in India under the MTP Act. These procedures offer effective methods for pregnancy termination, particularly in later gestational stages.

Suction Aspiration:

This procedure, typically used in the first trimester for intrauterine pregnancies, involves using gentle suction to remove pregnancy tissue from the uterus.

While generally safe, potential complications include:

Incomplete abortion, requiring a repeat procedure. (Rare cases, less than 1% unlike abortion pills where the chances of failure are more than 7-8%).
Infection, treated with antibiotics. However, with the use of sterile tools, proper sanitation and prophylactic antibiotics, infections after suction abortion are preventable.
Uterine perforation is a rare but serious complication. (Rare at the hands of experienced professionals and can occur if someone performs it without proper knowledge, tools and training.)

Abortion in Bangalore, Abortion Pills in Bangalore — Abortion pills vs Gentle Care abortion in Bangalore

Dilation and Evacuation (D&E):

D&E, performed in the second trimester, involves dilating the cervix and using surgical instruments and suction to remove pregnancy tissue and clean the womb.

Potential complications include:

Infection.
Hemorrhage.
Uterine perforation.
Retained products of conception.
Cervical lacerations.

To minimize these risks, healthcare providers follow strict protocols:

Sterile Technique: They maintain a sterile environment to prevent infections.
Skilled Practitioners: They ensure procedures are performed by trained and experienced medical professionals.
Ultrasound Guidance: They may use ultrasound guidance to ensure accurate and complete tissue removal.
Post-Procedure Monitoring: They monitor patients for signs of complications and provide appropriate post-abortion care.
Access to emergency care: They make sure that the patients have access to emergency care if needed.

The risk of mortality associated with surgical abortion is very low when performed under proper medical supervision. However, adherence to medical guidelines and prompt management of complications are crucial.

Factors Contributing to Mortality: Beyond the Procedure:

Isn’t it a wonder that abortion procedures are very safe and carry a very low mortality rate but still many women lose their lives daily after abortion? The numbers are significant. 42 million abortions worldwide each year with more than half (nearly 22 million) being unsafe resulting in a nearly 13% mortality rate. So, the number of women dying each year from abortion, mostly unsafe abortions and as a result of unmanaged complications after abortion is nearly 68,000. (Source)

Let’s try to understand why so many women die each year after abortion even though abortions are safe medical procedures.

While the abortion procedure itself carries a low risk of mortality when performed safely, several factors beyond the procedure can significantly influence outcomes and contribute to mortality. These factors often intersect, creating complex situations that impact women’s health.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions:

Women with underlying health conditions, such as severe anaemia, cardiac disease, or bleeding disorders, face increased risks during any medical procedure, including abortion. These conditions can complicate procedures and increase the likelihood of complications.

Access to Quality Healthcare:

Limited access to quality healthcare facilities and trained medical professionals significantly increases the risk of complications. In rural areas and marginalized communities in India, where access is often limited, women may resort to unsafe methods or delay seeking care, leading to severe consequences.

Well, if you are seeking an abortion in India, you can get a safe, legal and confidential abortion in Bangalore at a registered and certified premier abortion clinic.

Yes, many women from rural areas too travel a long distance to obtain a safe abortion. At Bangalore Genesis Hospital, we have many women coming from rural nearby areas and also from far-off cities.

This has by far been possible due to liberal abortion in India rules allowing equal abortion facilities for married as well unmarried women.

Gestational Age:

The risk of complications generally increases with gestational age. Later-term abortions, particularly those performed outside of approved medical facilities, carry a higher risk of severe complications, including haemorrhage and infection.

Socioeconomic Factors:

Poverty, lack of education, and social stigma can create barriers to accessing safe abortion services. These factors can lead women to seek unsafe alternatives or delay seeking care until complications arise.

As of today, the advantage of knowledge now available online from reliable sources is trying to bridge the gap between abortion access and knowledge. This has therefore decreased the number of unsafe abortions on account of lack of knowledge on accessibility and reproductive rights. Women now can seek safe abortions openly and freely without the fear of the law. They know that they can obtain a legal abortion regardless of their marital status and also with their consent only.

However, there is still a lot to improve and we at BGH are trying our level best to reach the maximum public and make them aware of their reproductive rights. Not only this, we strive to help people learn about their available options, managing an abortion and how to take care of themselves after the abortion. All these steps may one day prevent more unsafe abortions.

Furthermore, many women attempt unsafe abortions either for the want of confidentiality or fear of judgment. So, we also offer pre-abortion counselling services in a free, open, friendly and non-judgmental space with abortion services maintaining strict privacy and confidentiality. Besides being professionally proficient, our staff is compassionate, caring and non-judgmental.

Delay in Seeking Care:

Delaying seeking medical attention for complications can significantly increase the risk of mortality. This delay can be due to fear, lack of awareness, or limited access to emergency care.

Most complications after unsafe abortions remain unnotified and unattended because women fear family, society, law and even the healthcare system. So, they do not seek attention even if they are suffering from any complication fearing their abortion attempt will come into public knowledge.

As a result of unmanaged complications, women can even lose their lives. For instance, a ruptured ectopic pregnancy after taking abortion pills or an untreated infection resulting in sepsis can cause the patient’s death in the absence of emergency medical care.

Unsafe Practices:

The use of unproven and unsafe methods, like the insertion of foreign objects, or the ingestion of harmful substances, carries a very high risk of mortality. These methods are most common when women are desperate, and have no access to safe healthcare.

Addressing these factors requires a multifaceted approach, including:

Improving access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare services.
Reducing socioeconomic disparities.
Increasing awareness of safe abortion options.
Combating social stigma.
Educating women on the importance of seeking prompt medical attention.

As a part of a progressive community, we at Bangalore Genesis Hospital are playing our parts positively in all the aforementioned aspects. Our directions intend to prevent women from unsafe abortions and save their lives and long-term health including their fertility.