At-least 3,900 women were admitted to hospital In England during 2021, due to complications following a surgical abortion.
During November 2023, the Office for Health Improvement & Disparities (OHID) published new statistics reporting the rate of complications arising from abortions in England.
According to the OHID, in 2021, there were 19.3 hospital admissions for complications related to incomplete abortions per 1,000 abortions conducted in England for residents. Government data indicates a total of 203,662 abortions in England that year.
This suggests that at least 3,900 women may have been admitted to NHS hospitals in England due to complications arising from incomplete abortions.
Surgical abortion
Abortion can be carried out using vacuum aspiration up to the 14th week of pregnancy. This is the most common surgical technique. In 2021, 8% of abortions were performed by this method in England and Wales.
To perform this operation, the mother’s cervix must be stretched open. The surgeon will then insert a plastic tube into the womb. Sharp-edged openings near the tip of the tube help dismember the unborn child so that the parts are small enough to be sucked out.
For abortions up to 24 weeks, the procedure is dilation and curettage. This procedure is used when the baby is too large to be sucked out by vacuum aspiration. This involves the piecemeal surgical destruction of the unborn baby as the parts of the body are separated and removed.
Surgical abortion carries the risk of ‘incomplete abortion’ in which body parts of the unborn child are left inside the mother. Risks and adverse effects associated with surgical abortion include injury to the uterus or cervix, haemorrhage, infection.
There is no such thing as a safe abortion
SPUC’s Michael Robinson, Executive Director (Public Affairs and Legal Services), said “It is deeply concerning to learn that nearly 4 thousand women had to be admitted to hospitals due to complications from incomplete abortions.
“Misleading language and messaging can often be used by the abortion industry to conceal the truth about abortion and the danger it can pose to some women.
“The physical and emotional consequences that abortion can have on women can be life changing. Evidence-based review, Abortion and Women’s Health, reveals the adverse impact that abortion can have upon the mental health of some women.
“We know that there is no such thing as a safe abortion. Each abortion destroys a defenceless unborn life and can leave a trail of destruction for many women and families.”