Abortion: After discussion in the USA – what are the risks of an abortion?

Created: 05/07/2022, 08:22

By: Natalie Hull Drawbar

A debate is currently raging in the USA about the endangered right of women to be able to have an abortion.

A termination is always associated with risks.

Munich – “Our bodies, our decision” is how the “tageschau” of the ARD studio Washington quoted demonstrators who gathered in front of the Supreme Court in Washington on the night of May 2, 2022.

Although the judgment of the US Supreme Court has not yet been officially decided, the consideration alone leaves many Americans angry and dismayed.

"You're not going to get away with it, no matter what I have to do.

They will not implement this for Washington and for America.

We are more than them and we will fight," said one woman in an interview with ABC NEWS.

The people who speak out against abortion, on the other hand, support this signal from the Supreme Court against the right to abortion.

"I'm a staunch anti-abortionist and I came to watch history being made," another woman told press.

Abortion: After discussion in the USA – what are the risks of an abortion?

The anger and bewilderment of the people who are in favor of abortion rights can also be explained by the fact that 26 conservative-governed states in America are already planning to ban abortions in part or in full, as the "tagesschau" reported.

In Texas and South Dakota, as well as eleven other states, the abortion ban based on the judgment has long since been passed.

US President Joe Biden criticized this verdict on abortions and wants to protect women's rights: "I am very concerned that we may decide after 50 years that a woman does not have the right to self-determination." According to "tagesschau", Biden continued to explain in writing that women's right to abortion should be enshrined in law by Congress.

He himself would confirm and sign this law.

Abortion: What are the reasons for an abortion?

Termination of pregnancy or abortion was and still is a sensitive issue on which public opinion - not only in America - differs greatly.

It is particularly difficult for women who are directly affected by the consideration of abortion.

There can be various reasons that motivate women to take this step - starting with economic problems, through social and societal difficulties, to health and medical risks in particular.

The latter can, for example, be possible hereditary diseases of the unborn child, which the woman cannot bear.

Some women are faced with the decision of not being able to have their unborn child.

An abortion must be performed by a specialist.

There are risks after such an operation.

(Iconic image) © romankosolapov/Imago

Abortion: What are the risks of an abortion?

If a woman decides to have an abortion, her doctor will write her off sick for a few days after the procedure – without giving a reason, as he is bound by confidentiality.

The female body then needs rest and relaxation, regardless of whether the person concerned has opted for an operative or medicinal method of abortion.

After the abortion, there is usually abdominal pain and bleeding, which is not uncommon.

If the abortion was initiated with medication, the bleeding can often last a few days longer.

Even if a surgical abortion is usually a safe procedure, risks cannot be completely ruled out.

In very rare cases, complications can occur, such as injuries to the uterus - such as puncture (perforation) - tears in the cervix, inflammation of the fallopian tubes, high blood loss or difficulties with the anesthesia.

Risks and side effects of medically initiated abortion, with the so-called "abortion pill", can include abdominal pain and bleeding, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and headaches.

If any of the following symptoms persist after stopping, see your doctor.

• Persistent heavy bleeding with pain, similar to what women with severe endometriosis often experience

• Strong smelling vaginal discharge

• Fever

In the days after the abortion, it makes sense to use pads or long-lasting period panties instead of tampons, not to bathe or swim, and not to have sex.

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