No, abortion does not negatively affect future pregnancy when performed safely. This is a common myth, but scientific research has repeatedly confirmed that medical and surgical abortion do not impact fertility or increase the risk of complications in future pregnancies.
Does Medical Abortion Affect Future Pregnancy?
No. Mifepristone and misoprostol (abortion pills) do not have any long-term effects on the uterus or reproductive system. They work only to end an existing pregnancy and do not change the ability to conceive or carry a pregnancy later (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022).
Does Surgical Abortion Affect Future Pregnancy?
No. First-trimester surgical abortion is a low-risk procedure with no impact on future pregnancies when performed by a trained provider (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2018). Complications are extremely rare, and the uterus heals quickly after the procedure.
Can Abortion Cause Miscarriage or Preterm Birth in a Future Pregnancy?
Extensive studies have found no significant link between abortion and pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, preterm birth, or stillbirth (Oliver-Williams et al., 2019). However, in rare cases, multiple surgical abortions could slightly increase the risk of a weakened cervix, which may require medical monitoring in a future pregnancy.
What Are the Rare Risks That Could Affect Future Pregnancy?
Like any medical procedure, abortion carries some risks, but serious complications are very rare. The only way abortion could impact a future pregnancy is if a rare complication occurs, such as:
- Untreated infection (endometritis or PID) – If left untreated, an infection could cause scarring, but this is extremely rare and easily prevented with antibiotics.
- Severe scarring (Asherman’s Syndrome) – This condition, which affects the uterine lining, is very rare and more commonly linked to multiple surgeries, not abortion alone.
These risks are lower than the risks associated with childbirth or other common gynecological procedures.
How Soon 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.
The Truth: Abortion Does Not Affect Future Pregnancy
The idea that abortion affects future pregnancy is a myth, not a medical fact. Hundreds of studies worldwide confirm that abortion does not harm fertility or increase the risk of pregnancy complications (Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists [RANZCOG], 2023).
Abortion is a safe medical procedure that does not prevent someone from having a healthy pregnancy in the future.
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.
- 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
- Oliver-Williams, C., Fleming, M., Wood, A. M., Smith, G. C. S., & Pell, J. P. (2019). Previous termination of pregnancy and the risk of preterm birth and low birthweight: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 19(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-019-2205-0
- 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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