ABORTION COMPLICATIONS

Possible injuries from a surgical abortion include:

  • Very heavy bleeding
  • Allergic reaction to medication
  • Incomplete abortion requiring a second procedure
  • Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes
  • Blood clots in the uterus
  • Scarring of the inside of the uterus
  • Injury to cervix, uterus, or other organs
  • Sepsis or septic shock
  • Uterine perforation
  • Death

Possible complications from the abortion pill include:

  • Infection
  • Excessive pain
  • Fever
  • Prolonged or serious bleeding
  • Reaction to medication
  • Incomplete abortion requiring a surgical abortion procedure

The “abortion pill” or medication abortion consists of two different drugs: mifepristone (Mifeprex) and misoprostol. The use of misoprostol to terminate pregnancy is “off label,” meaning the FDA has not approved this drug for abortion.

The FDA has issued a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for the use of Mifeprex. This means:

  • Mifeprex must be ordered, prescribed and dispensed by or under the supervision of a healthcare provider who prescribes and who meets certain qualifications;
  • Healthcare providers who wish to prescribe Mifeprex must complete a Prescriber Agreement Form prior to ordering and dispensing Mifeprex;
  • Mifeprex may only be dispensed in clinics, medical offices, and hospitals by or under the supervision of a certified healthcare provider;
  • The healthcare provider must obtain a signed Patient Agreement Form before dispensing Mifeprex.