If you are reading this because you are curious, uncertain, or trying to understand your options, you are not alone. Many people look for information about abortion at different points in their lives, and wanting clear, honest answers is completely valid.
Abortion is a common and essential part of reproductive healthcare. According to the World Health Organization, around 73 million abortions take place worldwide every year. People have abortions in every country, across all cultures, religions, ages, and income levels. Some already have children. Some know they do not want to parent. Others know that continuing a pregnancy would not be right for them at that moment.
At its most basic level, abortion is the medical process of ending a pregnancy. This can be done using medication or through a clinical procedure. Which options are available depends on how far along the pregnancy is, local laws, and access to healthcare services.
Abortion as healthcare
Abortion is recognised by major medical organisations, including MSI Reproductive Choices and the World Health Organization, as safe, evidence-based healthcare when provided using recommended methods. Abortion is particularly safe in early pregnancy, with the risk of serious complications being well below 1 percent in settings where care is accessible.
It is important to be clear about what abortion does not do. Abortion does not cause infertility. It does not increase the risk of breast cancer. It does not lead to mental health conditions. These claims have been repeatedly disproven by large-scale medical research.
What does cause harm is lack of access. The World Health Organization estimates that around 45 percent of abortions globally are unsafe, and almost all unsafe abortions occur in countries where abortion is highly restricted. Unsafe abortion is a leading cause of preventable maternal injury and death worldwide.
How common abortion is
Abortion is far more common than many people realise. Globally, around one in three women will have an abortion during their lifetime. Many people who have abortions are already parents. Others are students, carers, people in unstable housing, or people managing health conditions.
Research consistently shows that the most common reason people seek abortion is simple: continuing the pregnancy is not right for them at that time. This may relate to finances, housing, safety, health, existing children, relationships, or personal readiness. There is no hierarchy of “acceptable” reasons. Every person’s situation is unique.
Emotional experiences
People feel many different things about abortion. Some feel relief. Others feel sadness, grief, or uncertainty. Many feel a mixture of emotions that can change over time. All of these responses are normal.
Large, long-term studies following people after abortion show that relief is the most commonly reported emotion, and that the vast majority of people feel confident they made the right decision for themselves. When emotional distress does occur, it is more strongly linked to stigma, lack of support, or prior mental health challenges than to the abortion itself.
Supportive care, accurate information, and compassion make a real difference to people’s wellbeing.
Abortion, autonomy, and dignity
Access to abortion is closely linked to bodily autonomy and human rights. International human rights organisations recognise that people should be able to make decisions about their own bodies without coercion, punishment, or discrimination.
Restrictions on abortion disproportionately affect people who already face barriers to healthcare, including those living in poverty, young people, migrants, and people in marginalised communities.
FAQs
Is abortion medically safe?
Yes. When provided using recommended medical or clinical methods, abortion is extremely safe. Serious complications are rare, especially in early pregnancy. In fact, continuing a pregnancy carries a higher risk of health complications than having an abortion.
Will abortion affect my ability to have children later?
No. Abortion does not affect future fertility or the ability to have healthy pregnancies. Many people go on to have children after having abortions.
Is abortion common?
Yes. With tens of millions of abortions occurring worldwide each year, abortion is a routine part of reproductive healthcare.
Is it okay to feel unsure or emotional?
Absolutely. There is no correct way to feel. People experience a wide range of emotions, and all of them are valid.
Why does access to abortion matter so much?
Because when people cannot access safe abortion care, they are more likely to experience harm. Access protects health, dignity, and autonomy.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Head to our support links page for resources and organisations that can help, wherever you are in the world.
References
MSI Reproductive Choices: https://www.msichoices.org/abortion-care/
World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240039483
Guttmacher Institute: https://www.guttmacher.org/global/abortion
