Abortion performed without medical care
An abortion is legal in Canada; however, not all abortion services are available in all parts of Canada or around the world.
Illegally performed abortions have greater risks of complications than those performed legally with good medical care. An abortion done without medical care has an increased risk of:
- Damage to the uterus or cervix from sharp objects (perforation or laceration).
- Infection. Severe infection (septic abortion) from dirty or foreign objects is a very serious complication.
- Uncontrolled bleeding (hemorrhage).
- Poisoning from eating or drinking unsafe substances meant to end a pregnancy.
- Death.
In countries where abortion is legal and safe, maternal death following an abortion is very rare—fewer than 1 in 100,000 (0.001%). However, maternal death after unsafe abortion is still a major health problem in countries where abortion isn't legal. According to the most recent numbers, if abortion were legal worldwide, the 150,000 post-abortion deaths per year would drop to 250 per year.1
| Author: | Healthwise Medical Writer | Last Updated: March 5, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Lori A. Boardman, MD, ScM - Obstetrics and Gynecology Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
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