Abortion is a very safe procedure because it is performed by trained medical professionals in a sterile environment using proven methods. As with any medical procedure, complications can occasionally occur. Possible complications include:

• Blood clots in the uterus: About 1 in 100 may experience severe cramping from clots, usually treated with repeat aspiration.
• Infection: Less than 1 in 100 risk, typically treated with antibiotics. Rarely, repeat aspiration, hospitalization, or surgery may be needed.
• Cervical tear: Less than 1 in 100 risk, sometimes requiring stitches.
• Uterine perforation: Rare (less than 2 in 100), may require observation or surgery. In extremely rare cases (1 in 10,000), a hysterectomy is needed.
• Incomplete abortion: About 2 in 1,000 risk of the procedure not ending the pregnancy, requiring a repeat procedure. Rarely, an undetected ectopic pregnancy may require surgery.
• Anesthesia reactions: Rare, but inform your provider of any allergies or medications to ensure safety.
• Future fertility: Research does not show that having an abortion affects a person’s ability to have children in the future.
• Emotional reactions: Most feel relief. Some may experience brief sadness or guilt, but serious mental health issues are rare and less common than after childbirth.