ABORTION COMPLICATIONS

Often follow the interruption of a pregnancy by someone other than a physician. When induced abortions were almost always illegal and many women resorted to unlicensed persons, some of whom used crude techniques in unsanitary settings, abortion complications were frequent, and often fatal. Careless and ignorant methods can perforate the uterus and cause hemorrhage. Infection, kidney failure and shock are often associated with criminal abortion.

If the uterus is puctured, abdominal surgery may be required to save the woman’s life. Severe and protracted infection can cause the kidneys to stop functioning or to function imperfectly. In this situation, special dalysis equipment must be used to restore kidney function and prevent blood poisoning.

The chances of complications resulting from induced abortion are sharply reduced if the procedure is performed in a hospital or clinic by a licensed physician.