Many women considering abortion do not know that only three percent of those using this procedure do not endure excruciating pain. Also unknown to most women is that legal abortions are the fifth leading cause of maternal death. Ten percent of women undergoing abortion suffer immediate complications, one-fifth of which are life threatening. These serious conditions include infections, embolisms, and convulsions. Hemorrhages, endotoxic poisoning, and sterility are also major threats to their health. By having a single abortion a woman doubles her chances of getting breast cancer, which has a higher link to those having abortions than secondhand smoke has to lung cancer. A person having this procedure also doubles their chances of cervical cancer. Teenagers having abortions are at an even higher risk of these medical dangers. Every consequent abortion, regardless of age, places these women in an even higher risk group than they previously were. Physical damages, however, are merely the beginning. .
Mothers who have abortions also suffer many psychological effects as well. They are prone to experience post-abortion syndrome. This is similar to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experienced by combat veterans and victims of natural disasters, rape, and child abuse. The symptoms of post-abortion syndrome include nightmares, hysterical outbreaks, feelings of immense guilt, remorse, and fear of punishment from .
Coker 3.
God. In fact, women who have had abortions visit doctors for psychosocial reasons 180% more than women whom have never had abortions (Reardon 72). .
One such case is of remorse is conveyed by a poem found on a website called "In Austin's Memory". Despite the author's wish for anonymity the message remains powerful:.
If I could have a lifetime wish.
A dream that would come true.
I'd pray to God with all my heart for yesterday and you.
A thousand words can't bring you back;.
I know because I've tried.
