Abortion - Is it safe? If you've been told that abortion is a "safe and legal" procedure, read on. Many problems can occur during or after a legal abortion. Most people are unaware of the many dangers associated with abortion. Ten percent of women who undergo an elective abortion will experience immediate complications, of which a fifth are considered life-threatening. The most common complications that can occur at the time of an abortion are: laceration or perforation of the uterus, excessive bleeding, infections, embolism, seizures, hemorrhage, cervical lesions, endotoxic shock, fever, second-degree burns, vomiting, and chronic abdominal discomfort . Pain. You can learn more by reading "Physical Health Risks Related to Abortion: Scientific Studies Reveal Significant Risks," from the Elliot Institute. Over 750 articles have been published on the risks for women who have abortions. Women fall into one of two categories: normal risk or high risk. Several types of women are at significantly higher risk of post-abortion problems. They should be especially aware of the increased risk of complications. Women under 20 are at 2 times greater risk of medical complications than women aged 25 to 29 (CJPH 73 (1982): 396-400). One in 24 women (4.1%) experienced immediate medical complications. (These include severe bleeding, infections, perforation of the uterus, and retention of part of the baby.)(CJPH 73 (1982):396-400. Risk of cervical injury 150% greater than in women over age 30 (NEJM 309 (1983):621-4). Women who have had a previous abortion have a 200% increased risk of miscarriage after two or more abortions (JAMA 243 (1980): 2495-9). ...... half of the document ......6American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology 166 (1992):100-103American Journal of Public Health 72 (1982):253-6Bernadell Technical Bulletin 1 (1989):1- 2British Journal of Cancer 43 (1981):72-6British Medical Journal 290 (1985):907-9Canadian Journal of Psychiatry 24 (1979):610-20Canadian Journal of Publid Health 73 (1982): 396-400.Human Medicine 7 ( 1991):3:203-9.Journal of the American Medical Association 243 (1980):2495-9McGovern, Celeste. "Holded by post-abortion guilt." British Columbia Report, 10/18/93; British Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology 87 (1980):1115-22New England Journal of Medicine 309 (1983):621-4Somerville, Scott, Esq. "Before You Choose." AIM Publications 1/10/93. Willke, JC, MD The Deadly Consequences of Abortion: Breast Cancer. Cincinnati, Ohio: Hayes Publishing, 1993.