3 Myths About Abortions

Because abortions are such a controversial topic for many people, it can be hard to find factual and accurate information about them – especially online. The internet is plastered with political propaganda and conservative agendas that pins it as a terrible thing. Before you make your decision on how you will move forward with your life, make sure you are fully educated and are making the best decision for you.

Myth #1: Every woman who has chosen to have an abortion lives a life with deep regret and sadness.

There are tons and tons of pro-life/anti-choice activists out there who have found examples of women who are willing to share their stories of regret and depression after their terminations. They’ll lead you to believe that they are emotionally damaging and the negative effects far outweigh the positive.

Rumors have even circulated about something known as post abortion syndrome. However there are many high-quality studies that have been compiled and show that there is no significant difference between the mental health of women who have had ended the pregnancy and those who have not.

As long as the abortion is based on your own decision making, there is no reason why you will regret your choices.

Myth #2: Abortions cause pain and suffering to the fetus.

The truth is that most terminations are performed in the first trimester while it is still considered an embryo. Most research indicates that human embryos and even young fetuses cannot sense pain. Many physicians will argue that a fetus cannot feel until the third trimester – long after about 99% of them are performed.

Myth #3: Abortions are dangerous procedures

The calculated risk of major complications from termination is less than 1%. According to the National Abortion Federation, complications from procedures that are performed prior to 13 weeks are very unusual; and about 88% of women who obtain them do so prior to 13 weeks. Procedures performed in the first 9 weeks have complications that occur in less than .05% of cases. In fact, it is more dangerous to give birth than it is to end the pregnancy.