A landmark review of abortion safety in the U.S. concludes that abortion is very safe. Yet the study’s authors caution that Republican-backed abortion regulations may reduce the safety of abortion, putting women in danger. The study, which was conducted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, reviewed data from meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and patient or provider surveys to get a picture of abortion safety in the U.S.
Study Concludes Abortion is Safe
The study directly undermines right-wing propaganda about abortion. It concludes that abortion is a safe medical procedure with a very low risk of complications. Fifty percent of abortions occur before 7 weeks’ gestation, and 90 percent occur before 12 weeks’ gestation, according to the report.
The study also argues that abortion-clinic specific regulations—such as requiring the clinic to have access to a hospital—are likely unnecessary. “No special equipment or emergency arrangements are required for medication abortions. For other abortion methods, the minimum facility characteristics depend on the level of sedation that is used,” the report stated. Other highlights of the study:
- Abortions are safest and most effective when performed early in pregnancy. It’s important to note that many anti-choice regulations make it more difficult for women to access early abortions.
- Abortion complications are rare.
- Abortion does not cause long-term health issues such as infertility, breast cancer, or an increased risk of miscarriage or stillbirth.
- Abortion is not linked to mental health problems such as PTSD or depression.
How Republican Anti-Abortion Laws Endanger Women
The study further argues that anti-abortion regulations may reduce abortion safety in some states. This creates an unequal distribution of risk, with women in right-leaning states struggling to access safe and legal abortions.
"Abortion-specific regulations in many states create barriers to safe and effective care," according to a press release about the study.
The study argues that allowing nurses and physician’s assistants to provide abortions could increase access and safety. Previous research supports this conclusion. A 2017 study also argues that greater abortion access and fewer abortion regulations could save women’s lives.
Republican legislators have passed an unprecedented number of anti-abortion bills in recent years. Even when the legislation is unconstitutional on its face, anti-choicers hope that it might eventually lead to an abortion showdown at a friendly Supreme Court.
Indiana’s governor, for example, just signed legislation requiring Indiana abortion clinics and other providers to report dubious “abortion complications” to the state. Many of the “complications” are common medical symptoms, such as insomnia, that are completely unrelated to abortion. By providing such data, however, the state creates the illusion of an epidemic of abortion complications. The law also requires abortion providers to gather irrelevant data—such as marital status and number of children—on women who seek abortions, and to provide this data to the government.
Previous Research: Women Don’t Regret Abortion
The study is just the latest among a pile of research demonstrating that abortion is safe. Other research has also found that abortion may improve women’s economic situation, financial health, and even relationships. The Turnaway Study, an ongoing study of women denied abortions, argues that women who undergo abortions suffer no short or long-term mental health complications. Yet women who are denied abortions are more likely to be depressed, live in poverty, receive government assistance, and remain in abusive relationships.
We shouldn’t need more research to tell us what remains obvious: women are better positioned than Republican legislators to know what’s best for themselves, their bodies, and their families.