No, abortion does not cause infertility. This is a common myth used to discourage people from accessing abortion care, but scientific research has consistently proven that safe, legal abortion does not affect future fertility.
The Science: Abortion Has No Impact on Fertility
- Medical abortion (abortion pills) and surgical abortion do not impact fertility when performed safely. Studies show that people who have had an abortion can conceive just as easily as those who have never had one (Atrash et al., 1990; Hogue et al., 2000).
- Mifepristone and misoprostol (medical abortion) do not affect the uterus or ovaries long-term. These medications only work to end an early pregnancy and do not impact the ability to conceive in the future (WHO, 2022).
- Surgical abortion is a low-risk procedure with an extremely low rate of complications. When performed by a trained provider, it does not damage the uterus or reproductive organs (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2018).
When Can You Get Pregnant After an Abortion?
Fertility returns quickly after an abortion—sometimes within a few weeks. If you do not want to become pregnant again immediately, it is recommended to use barrier methods (condoms) or start on a form of contraception that is right for you.
Rare Complications That Could Affect Future Fertility
Like any medical procedure, abortion carries some risks, but serious complications are very rare. The only way abortion could impact fertility is if a rare complication occurs, such as:
- Untreated infection (like endometritis) – Very rare and easily treated with antibiotics.
- Severe scarring (Asherman’s Syndrome) – Extremely rare and more commonly linked to multiple surgical procedures, not abortion alone.
These risks are lower than the risks associated with childbirth or other common gynecological procedures.
The Truth: Safe Abortion Does Not Affect Fertility
The claim that safe abortion causes infertility is a scare tactic with no scientific basis. Hundreds of studies worldwide confirm that abortion does not harm fertility or future pregnancy outcomes.
Access to safe abortion is a critical part of reproductive healthcare, and misinformation should not stand in the way of evidence-based medical care.
The information provided on this website by Aunty Jane in any format or medium, are for general information purposes only and are not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. The information made available by Aunty Jane do not provide personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. To the extent permitted by law, Aunty Jane disclaims all liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information provided. For specific medical concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
- Atrash, H. K., Frye, A., Hogue, C. J. R., & Shepard, M. (1990). Abortion and infertility: A review of the evidence. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 76(5), 806–820.
- Hogue, C. J. R., Cates, W., & Tietze, C. (2000). Impact of abortion on subsequent fertility. Epidemiologic Reviews, 4(1), 66–86.
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2018). The safety and quality of abortion care in the United States. National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/24950
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. (2023). Abortion care: Clinical guidelines. https://www.ranzcog.edu.au/abortion-care
- World Health Organization. (2022). Abortion care guideline.https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240039483
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