Repeat Abortions: What the Research Says
10/12/2012
According to the Alan Guttmacher Institute, approximately 45 percent of abortions are repeat abortions. Two new studies released last month have found increased risks for women who undergo multiple abortions.
One study, co-authored by Elliot Institute director Dr. David Reardon, found that women who undergo abortions have an increased risk of death:
A single induced abortion increases the risk of maternal death by 45 percent compared to women with no history of abortion, according to a new study of all women of reproductive age in Denmark over a 25 year period.
In addition, each additional abortion is associated with an even higher death rate. Women who had two abortions were 114 percent more likely to die during the period examined, and women had three or more abortions had a 192 percent increased risk of death. …
“We knew from our previous studies of low income women in California that women who have multiple pregnancy outcomes, such as having a history of both abortion and miscarriage, have significantly different mortality rates,” Reardon said. “But this new study is the first to examine how each experience with abortion or miscarriage contributes to higher mortality rates.”
This is called a “dose effect” because “each exposure, or ‘dose,’ is seen to produce more of the same effect, which is what one would expect if there is a cause-effect relationship,” Reardon explained.
The other new study found that women who undergo multiple abortions have an increased risk of preterm birth and low-birthweight babies in a subsequent pregnancy :
The study, printed in the peer-reviewed medical journal Human Reproduction, of more than 300,000 women found women who have three or more abortions face a 35 percent increase in health complications in a future pregnancy and also saw an increase in the risk of a baby’s death around the time of birth.Having just one abortion or more increased the likelihood of giving birth before reaching 37 weeks of pregnancy.
“To put these risks into perspective, for every 1,000 women, three who have had no abortion will have a baby born under 28 weeks,” Dr Reija Klemetti, who led the study, told the Scotsman newspaper. “This rises to four women among those who have had one abortion, six women who have had two abortions, and 11 women who have had three or more.”
These two new studies follow a Chinese study, published in February of 2012, that found a “very statistically significant increased risk” of breast cancer for women with previous abortions, which increased for women with multiple abortions.
Past studies have also found an increased risk of psychological and physical problems related to multiple abortions.
For example, a study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology found that while there was no significant difference in psychological disorders or use of social services between women carrying to term and those seeking abortion for the first time, women who had already had an abortion were almost twice as likely to have psychological disorders or to have had contact with the social service system (see table at right).[1]
Past research also suggests that repeat abortion may be both a result and a trigger of emotional and psychological problems. For example, women who had repeat abortions were found to be more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol, to be living in unstable situations, to be divorced or be dependent on social services. These are all factors that can lead to additional abortions: women with a prior abortion experience are four times more likely to abort a current pregnancy than those with no prior abortion history.[2]
This increased risk is associated with the prior abortion due to lowered self esteem, a conscious or unconscious desire for a replacement pregnancy, and increased sexual activity post-abortion. Subsequent abortions may occur because of conflicted desires to become pregnant and have a child and continued pressures to abort, such as abandonment by one’s partner. Aspects of self-punishment through repeated abortions are also reported. [3]
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Learn more: Read a therapist’s perspective on repeat abortions.
Access the world’s most extensive online library of studies on the physical and psychological effects of abortion at www.AbortionRisks.org.
Citations
1. Tornbom, M., et. al., “Repeat Abortion: A Comparative Study,” Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, 17:208-214, 1996.
2. Joyce, “The Social and Economic Correlates of Pregnancy Resolution Among Adolescents in New York by Race and Ethnicity: A Multivariate Analysis,” Am. J. of Public Health, 78(6):626-631 (1988); C. Tietze, “Repeat Abortions – Why More?” Family Planning Perspectives 10(5):286-288, (1978).
3. Leach, “The Repeat Abortion Patient,” Family Planning Perspectives, 9(1):37-39 (1977); S. Fischer, “Reflection on Repeated Abortions: The meanings and motivations,” Journal of Social Work Practice 2(2):70-87 (1986); B. Howe, et al., “Repeat Abortion, Blaming the Victims,” Am. J. of Public Health, 69(12):1242-1246, (1979).
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I had an unplanned pregnancy in Feb 2018 and terminated it in around 5 weeks. This year , i got pregnant again.This time it was planned and much wanted. I was 19 weeks along when I found out that the baby had severe cardiac anomalies and the condition was incompatible with life. We had to terminate it.
I had an medically induced abortion with mifepristone and later it was followed by D & C. All of these was done by experienced medical practitioners under proper sanitary conditions.
I want to get get pregnant again as soon as possible and hopefully have a healthy baby this time. What are my chances and what are the complications associated? I am 31 years old and have no other complications.
Please suggest
Dear Grace,
I’m sorry for your losses and pray you’re next pregnancy will go smoothly.
Regarding the risks that due to prior abortions…you will be at a somewhat higher risk for miscarriage, pre-term birth and some other difficulties of labor and delivery. But these are not extremely higher rates, so don’t get overly concerned. But do make sure your doctor knows your history of your prior abortions. Many doctors will routinely take measures to help support a potentially weakened cervix for women with a history of abortion.
Emotionally, any unresolved issues of grief or loss can impact bonding and mothering with children born later. I think it is important for you to look into a post-abortion counseling program, or to speak with a private therapist if you already have a relationship with one, to explore any feelings of loss, grief, guilt, anxiety, or self-blame–preferably before your child is born–in order to reduce or eliminate any negative effects on your bond and mothering.
You are in my prayers.
Hello.am 28 yrs old.am afraid I have had regular abortions that I notice at a very early stage (1-2 weeks) I use the medical way.i have just figured out that i am 2weeks pregnant and i want to terminate it.am worried if they’re complications that might affect me on future.
Every abortion carries risks, and the level of risks increase with multiple abortions. For example, the risk of premature death (reduced longevity) doubles with each abortion.
If you are using Plan B or some similar method to induce early abortions, be forewarned that this abortifacient rely on ingesting very high levels of hormones, so high that no one knows the long term effects. The FDC approved the use of this drug despite the absence of long term studies based on the presumption that women would not be exposed to these levels very often.
Lindie,
Be a mother. You’re the only one who can protect your baby, your husband’s baby from abortion.
I love you.
Hello there, I searched this question because I’m worried due to all the abortions I’ve had my body has been affected internally.
After my last abortion in 2015, 5 months later my vagina started smelling. I went to a gynecologist and I was diagnosed with PH imbalance.
I started taking over the counter Acidophilus and no changed. Went back to the gynecologist where I was directed to use Boric Acid suppositories.
Months to year later stench only got worse. Went back to gynecologist where pelvic examinations was done with no negative results.
I was prescribed Solosec 2 yrs ago that I never got the opportunity to take because my Medicaid does not cover for it, instead I was given alternate antibiotics that DOES NOT WORK.
It’s been almost 4 yrs now and now my vagina smells like death. When I perspire it’s even worse,’ It can be smelled 30 feet away. I am suffering badly. Even my self awareness has changed. I’m just depressed and suffering mentally. I cannot have sexual intercourse becsuse of how bad the stench is. It’s to the point where I believe that someone either had put a curse on me or God is punishing me for all the innocents lives I had aborted. My last pregnancy I did not want to abort but I was forced to . Of course we all lie to the abortionists clinic that NO ONE is forcing us to murder our children. Now I’m suffering for it.
MY QUESTION IS COULD MY UTERUS AND CERVIX BE INFECTED WHY MY VAGINA IS ROTTING IN THE INSIDE?
I’m sorry for what you are facing, Alena. I suggest you try getting a second and even a third opinion regarding the infection.
Regarding the emotional toil, please read our tips and resources for post-abortion healing. You need to find someone to talk with who has not only been through an abortion loss but has also worked through the grief and healing.
You are in my prayers.
Hello, Lindle:
I’m sorry that you are going through this! You need help and it is out there. Let me give you the link to a website that can make available resources for you. Consider visiting this site: https://optionline.org/
May God give you and your husband guidance, support, direction & grace. May He give you & your unborn baby health. May you be given a healthy pregnancy & baby!
Please visit Optionline.org and get the help you & your unborn baby need!
Prayers & love,
Lisa DeSherlia
I went for abortion just because my husband doesn’t want the child. We have a son 8 years. The abortion did not work and I am still 9 weeks pregnant. He insists on going again for abortion. I don’t want to abort. Help me. What should I do? I need prayers. I believe God will work wonders.
Dear Lindie,
Feeling pressured to have an abortion is one of the clearest risk factors for terrible problems after an abortion. If abortion goes against your moral beliefs or maternal desires, or both, it will certainly cause more problems than it will solve.
I would be glad to talk with your husband, if you like, to explain how pushing for an abortion is a terrible, short-sighted mistake. Please encourage him to read about the risk factors for abortion, the psychological risks, and some of the testimonies of women who have been through traumatic abortions.
I don’t want to judge him too harshly, because our culture has created a lot of ignorance and misconceptions about how abortion is an “easy” solution to problems. But if he takes the time to learn the truth, there is no way a loving husband could ask his wife to go through this.
As I said, I’d be happy to arrange a conversation with him, myself, if you think that would help.
Also consider reaching out to a pregnancy help center close to you. They can provide resources to help you, perhaps including couples counseling to help both of you.
You’re in my prayers. Please reach out again and let me know what you are thinking. If you send a phone number (which I will delete from your post), I will give you a call.
Congratulations on still being pregnant! I’m so happy for you!
Please do not go back for another abortion. There is a reason why this abortion didn’t work – God has something big for this child. You will see what it is in time. This child deserves just as much love and care as your 8 year old son. What would your life be like without him? Take care of yourself, your 8 year old son, and this new baby! You are already a Mom to this little baby in your womb! My prayers are with you.
Dear Lindie,
You already have a little baby growing within you and you know that killing your unborn baby is wrong. I am happy to help you anyway I can including talking to your husband. What is his reason for not wanting you to keep your unborn child? What is the need we need to meet to help support you and your family? Lindie be strong, you know what is right. And Im sure your son or daughter would love to know about their little brother or sister and cant wait to meet them.
I just prayed for you and many of us will be doing the same. If you go ahead with this under coercion from him, the damage to your relationship will be huge. Can’t he see that? Tell him how you really feel. If he really loves you surely he will not press you into this.
I’m praying for you. Please hold onto hope. Your children and husband are also in my prayers. Have your 8 year-old son pray for his baby sibling too. Together, you can join in prayer. I believe with you that God will work wonders. Declare good plans for your family.
May the God of heaven and earth move on your behalf to change the heart of your husband and strengthen yours, preserve the life of your miracle child, and bring exceedingly great blessing from this hardship. I pray His holy angels minister peace in your home and bind all demonic powers from harassing your household.
If you need resources to leave the situation for a time, there are sources.
Dear young women and men,
There is ALWAYS hope! There are pregnancy resource centers who will serve you and minister to you and walk with you every step of the way throughout your pregnancy and beyond. Pregnancy resource centers exist FOR YOU! Know that the counselors and staff who work at these centers believe you deserve more. While the world tells you abortion is the answer, we believe otherwise, and want you to know that you do not need an abortion. Please search for the nearest pregnancy resource center near you and make an appointment. I promise you, you will not regret it. The Birthright helpline number is 18005504900
Dear Lindie,
I am praying for you and your husband, that he may find the strength to be what he’s meant to be: the protector and guardian of the Family.
May his eyes be open and his heart softened and finally see the huge mistake he wanted you to endure.
God loves you!
Dear Lindie,
Forced/coerced abortion is illegal. Please go to http://www.txjf.org/cafa/. You will see a Dear Father letter and you can give that to your husband or have the pregnancy care center give him the letter. You can also print the Life Dynamics form to the abortionist, sign it, and carry it with you, if you are taken by force to the abortionist. This form will notify the abortionist you do not want to have an abortion.
Dear Lindie
Please know that there are people who care and are praying for you. I know it is so so difficult, but please do the right thing, and God will be pleased with out
What you have in you is a precious unborn child who is developing slowly. Continue to cling to God, that He will be your Strength- Ask Him for grace i.e.the power to do what is right, and that only comes from God.
Please continue to update us as to what is happening so we can pray better for you, or lest we forget to pray. Keep believing- God will work wonders as you have said.
Cyril
Dear Lindie
It must be so so difficult to be going through this pressure to repeat the procedure. Please do what is right. Continue to hold on to God- and find strength in Him. There are people praying for you and care for you. Continue to ask God for His help- the grace/power to do what is right. Read the psalms especially about the psalmists pleading with God for His help and intervention. Please keep us updated so we can better pray for you, and so as to remind us to not stop praying.
Hi Lindie… I’m so sorry you’re going through this.
It’s illegal for anyone to coerce or force you to abort. Print this letter and give it to your husband. http://thejusticefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Dear-Father-Letter.pdf
If you are taken to an abortionist, you can print out this letter to give to the abortionist/abortion clinic.
http://thejusticefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Life-Dynamics-Fax-to-Abortion-Clinic.pdf
Lifting you, your husband and your unborn to the Throne of Grace…
Just curious to know what country you’re in. Because if you’re in a very mordernize country like the USA and where the doctors are well experienced and your abortion did not work then my dear this child was meant to be born. I would advise you not to go back, have your baby and see what wonders he does in the future.
I have had 3 good abortion and about to make another one can I survived it or not please help me out
Every abortion increases the risks of both physical and psychological problems and reduces life expectancy. I strongly discourage you from undergoing another abortion. If you reach out and tell me more about where you are, I will try to find a church or other ministry that will help you with financial support, friendship, and good advice.
My heart breaks for you! Killing your unborn child/children is not something that we can just dispose of because we find them inconvenient.
How can we help and support you in keeping your baby? What is the reason why you would want to do this? We help and support many pregnant women in our home and we would be honored to be able to help and support you too.
You are a precious beautiful women who deserves to be loved and respected. We are here for you anytime.
Hello
A year and a half ago I had an abortion because I had fallen pregnant right after my son was born. My reason for doing so was “I just couldn’t” and I do believe my baby daddy was upset that I had become pregnant with someone else’s kid and influenced my decision. I went through a really dark time post-abortion. I crashed my car, and lost my job. I had zero support. Now I have become pregnant again and I have a lot of support from all the right people, but I don’t know if I can go through that again. I don’t regret my abortion but the people I told last time definitely put me in a corner and made my life hell after that. Do you think an abortion is right for me now having a positive environment? Or do you think I should keep the baby and stuggle the rest of my life. I’m 22 years old and I just don’t know. I’d be a single mom of two and I can barely take care of the child I already have, should I deprive him for another?
Dear Madison,
If you have not yet done so, please review the list of risk factors that help identify when women are most likely to have the most severe problems after an abortion. Multiple abortions are definitely associated with more physical and mental health problems.
I know it’s hard to be a single mom of one, much less two children. But it is even harder to live with two abortions. As your children grow older, it will be easier and you will be filled with so much pride and love. But as time passes after abortion, the regrets will not only be there, but are likely to grow.
And yes, your son does deserve his sister or brother.
I am praying for you. I pray you will have courage and trust that you and your children will all be blessed by choosing to accept and embrace life.
Hi. I had an abortion late January and have taken two plan b’s since then. I don’t think I had to but I was very scared of having another pregnancy. And I’m worried that I may be pregnant again, even though we were safe. I’m experiencing irregular bleeding which I suspect could be implantation bleeding. I don’t want to have another abortion if I am pregnant. I’m still experiencing guilt and sadness. But even if I’m not pregnant, I’m also worried about the effects that birth control would have on my chances of being pregnant later in life (perhaps when I’m around 25). What should I do? I don’t want to get pregnant again right now or go through another abortion but will birth control reduce my fertility on top of my abortion and the few times I have taken plan b?
Dear Stephanie. The first thing I’d suggest is that you look into a program to help deal with the feelings of sadness and guilt about your prior abortion. Please check our page of tips and resources for finding a suitable program for you.
Clearly your abortion has emotionally scarred you, as evidenced by your hyper-concern about getting pregnant again and feeling cornered into having another abortion.
Regarding future fertility issues, abortion is more likely to cause fertility issues than most birth control methods. Multiple abortions more so. Since Plan B can be abortifacient (causing an early abortion), I wouldn’t recommend regular reliance on that either.
I’d suggest that you look into the methods for identifying when you are fertile. For example, the KNOWHEN Saliva Ovulation Test Kit is very inexpensive and can be used month after month to identify when you may be ovulating so you can avoid intercourse during the times when you are most likely to become pregnant. There are also other options for identifying your fertility which pose zero risk to your future reproductive health.
You are in my prayers.
Pls ma I have 4 abortion in the past, and I later find out am pregnant again. my fiance want me to have another abortion but I said no. now I leave the pregnancy and later have miscarriage at 27weeks. along with the pregnancy the Dr discover I have hbp and a multiple uterine fibroid
I am very sorry for you many losses. All risks, physical and emotional, increase with each abortion. Please read out page of tips on looking for help to recover from past abortions.
You are in my prayers.
Pls pray along with me so I can have another pregnancy very soon
I will.
Is it risky to abort twice within five month
Hi Kenneth, all abortions carry physical risks, and as the article above states, some risks — such as suicide, problems in later pregnancies, and emotional and psychological problems — are increased with each abortion a woman has. In addition, many people have abortions because of pressure from others and or circumstances that make them think that they cannot have a child. They hope for their situation to improve if they abort, but find that having the abortion hasn’t changed anything (or perhaps made things worse for them) and end up aborting again if they become pregnant for the same reasons. This can set up a cycle of repeat abortions that can be very problematic for the woman’s physical and emotional help and for the relationship of the couple involved — as well as for the psychological health of the father involved as well.
I don’t know your circumstances, but I’m assuming you are asking about someone you know or are in a relationship with. If this woman is your girlfriend or wife, you really need to talk with her about the situation. Is having an abortion something she really wants to do? What is making her (or both of you) feel like you need to get another abortion? How did the first abortion effect you, and would you want to go through that again? If you want the baby or are not sure about it, let her know you will support her and be there for her having this child. It’s common to feel afraid or overwhelmed — not every pregnancy is met with feelings of joy or excitement. But don’t rush into making a decision you can’t undo or that might harm her or your relationship (many relationships don’t survive after an abortion).
Don’t feel like you have to rush to make a decision right away. I don’t know where you are located, but there are organizations that can help with support and other options. Do you have family, friends, or a faith community that you trust to help you? Also, since she had a previous abortion, are you struggling with negative emotions such as grief, feelings of guilt, loss, anger, self-destructive or suicidal thoughts, drinking or drug use or anything else? If so, please know that it is all right to grieve and to feel that trauma. You can also seek counseling and support for this as well. (Please send me an email at elliotinstitute@gmail.com if you don’t find someone who can help, and I will try and connect you with someone).
My girlfriend did abortion in December and she want to it again…. Now my question is what will happen if she do it? I need your help please
Both the physical and emotional risks of abortion increase with each abortion. Please encourage her to look at the list of risk factors that predict more post-abortion problems and reduced lifespan after multiple abortions.
Let me know if I can provide any other information.
Hi
I have had taking 3 abortions..
Now I am pregnant
I have 5 weeks pregnant.
I am taking 4 the time abortions pills.
Is any risk in that.
Please tell me which type of side effects occur..
I have one child with c section..
Please help me..
I promise this is the last abortion I am taking..
Dear Sidha, yes there are risks with all abortions. Here is an article about the risks of the abortion pill. Side effects can include heavy prolonged bleeding (enough to need an infusion), infection, pain, and other complications. You should especially not take it without medical supervision or being able to have help if an emergency arises. And as the article above says, there are also risks to having more than one abortion.
There is also the emotional risk. Is having an abortion something you really want to do? What is making you feel like you need to keep having abortions? I am guessing you are not entirely sure about this decision since you are visiting this site, and also because you are feeling like you don’t want to have another one after this. Please don’t feel like you have to go ahead with having an abortion, especially if you don’t really want it or wish you had another choice. Don’t feel like you have to rush to make a decision right away. I don’t know where you are located, but there are organizations that can help with support and other options. Also, if you are struggling or regretting the previous abortions in any way they can help too. (Also, please send me an email at elliotinstitute@gmail.com if you don’t find someone who can help, and I will try and connect you with someone).
Hi
I have had taking 3 abortions..
Now I am pregnant
I have 5 weeks pregnant.
I am taking 4 the time abortions pills.
Is any risk in that.
Please tell me which type of side effects occur..
I have one child with c section..
Please help me..
I promise this is the last abortion I am taking..
There are definitely increased risks to another abortion. Each abortion increases the risk of long term physical complications, mental health issues, and premature death.
I strongly encourage you to reach out to a pregnancy help group that can offer you financial support, counseling and resources to help you keep your baby.
I have had my first abortion due to my partner not wanting to start so soon.
I’m 18 years old and I’ve been taking birth control for a couple of months and i am scared that if i was to be pregnant again and had to go through another abortion the combination of both the birth control and the abortion would i be in more risk of failing to have a baby when I’m older?
Your risk of miscarriage, sterility, or other problems later in life are higher . . . but something in the range of 30 to 80 percent higher, not four or eight times higher. Still, when you do get pregnant again, you should definitely tell your doctor that you previously had an abortion so the doctor can take precautionary measures. For example, if the abortion contributed to a weakening of your cervix, which is a primary cause of subsequent miscarriage, the doctor can watch for that risk and provide treatments.
Another thing to keep in mind. Even if you are not having any emotional problems related to your prior abortion, it is very common for negative feelings to suddenly erupt later when women get pregnant with a wanted pregnancy. At that time, unresolved negative feelings about the past abortion may emerge. This is evident in higher rates of self-medication (alcohol, marijuana, or drug use) during subsequent pregnancies among women with a history of abortion.
This is why I would encourage you to look at our tips and resources page for post-abortion healing programs. I would encourage you to deal with any feelings of loss, guilt, or rage earlier rather than later.
Hi am a 23 yr old woman i had 4 abortions in a 3yrs period and now am pregnant again and my bf dont want me to have this baby because of financial issues,, please i need advice
Having multiple abortions puts you at higher risk of both emotional and physical complications. I strongly recommend that you also look at the other risk factors for problems.
I can only presume that you writing because you want help convincing him and others that they should support you in having this baby rather than having an abortion. Encourage him to read about the risk factors and the physical and emotional risks of abortion.
Whether he changes his mind or not, have courage, do not give up hope. You know the right thing to do. Protect your child, love your child, become the best parent you can be. God will bless you. He will provide a way even though things may look bleak and uncertain for a while. Trust that between your desire to do right and God’s providence, things will work out. Be strong. It is time to break the pattern of repeat abortions that are just wearing you down, thinner and thinner.
Pregnancy help centers and churches are there to help you through with both financial support and emotional support. You should also reach out to post-abortion ministries that will help you to deal with your past abortions and find help for you and your baby today.
Please let us know if we can be of any more help.
I am committed to praying for you and for your baby. Please don’t punish yourself by staying in a relationship that is not good for you. You deserve so much better. I am glad you reached out. Please protect your child’s life and get the help you need. You can become a wonderful mother, and later on, help others who are in your situation by encouraging them to embrace life. Trust in the merciful love and protection of Jesus and Mary. You and your baby are in my prayers. I am also post-abortive, and God has lead me across many bridges to find peace and love, and I have a good relationship with my children and grandchildren.