Category: Women’s Health

Teen Abortion Risks Fact Sheet

Abortion clinics’ youngest patients are more at risk for abortion-related health problems than their older counterparts. Here is a factsheet on teens and abortion complications.

Teen Abortion Risks: A Factsheet

“Parents are faced with a shell of a person and have no idea where they lost their child.”
— Terri, who had a secret abortion as a teen

Suicide attempts — 6 times more likely

— Teenagers are 6 times more likely to attempt suicide if they have had an abortion in the last six months than are teens who have not had an abortion.(1)

— Teens who abort are up to 4 times more likely to commit suicide than adults who abort,(2) and a history of abortion is likely to be associated with adolescent suicidal thinking.(3)

— Overall suicide rates are 6-7 times higher among women who abort.(4)

— Teens who abort are more likely to develop psychological problems,(5) and are nearly three times more likely to be admitted to mental health hospitals than teens in general.(6)

— About 40% of teen abortions take place with no parental involvement,(7) leaving parents in the dark about subsequent emotional or physical problems.

— Teens risk further injury or death because they are unlikely to inform parents of any physical complications.

Some examples of teens who died from complications or suicide after they had abortions without telling their parents: (8)

Holly Patterson, California, died at age 18
Erica Richardson, Maryland, died at age 16
Dawn Ravanell, New York, died at age 13
Tamia Russell, Detroit, died at age 15
Sandra Kaiser, St. Louis, died at age 14 of suicide

Sandra died 3 weeks after her half-sister took her for an abortion without telling Sandra’s mother, who could have warned doctors about Sandra’s history of psychological problems that put her at risk for more problems after abortion.(9)

— Teens are 5 times more likely to seek subsequent help for psychological and emotional problems compared to their peers who carry “unwanted pregnancies” to term.(10)

— Teens are 3 times more likely to report subsequent trouble sleeping, and nine times more likely to report subsequent marijuana use after abortion.(10)

— Among studies comparing abortion vs. carrying to term, worse outcomes are associated with abortion, even when the pregnancy is unplanned.(10)

— 65% higher risk of clinical depression among women who abort.(11)

— 65% experienced multiple symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among women who abort.(12)

— 64% of women who had undergone an abortion reported that they felt pressured by others to abort.(12)

Acute Pain. Infertility. Risk of Death. — Pain

Teens report more severe pain during the abortion procedure vs. adult women. One study of pain during 1st trimester abortions found severe acute pain comparable to childbirth or cancer. Pain scores were significantly higher for teens.(13)

— Lacerations up to twice as likely

Teens are up to twice as likely to experience dangerous cervical lacerations during abortion compared to older women, probably because they have smaller cervixes which are more difficult to dilate or grasp with instruments.(14)

— Infertility and life-threatening complications

Teens are at higher risk for post-abortion infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and endometritis because their bodies are more susceptible to infection and they are less likely than older women to follow instructions for medical care.(15) These infections increase their risk of infertility, hysterectomy, ectopic pregnancy, and other serious complications.(16)

— Breast cancer risk 30-50% higher

An early full-term birth reduces breast cancer risk by as much as 1/3, while abortion of a first pregnancy carries a 30-to 50% increased risk of breast cancer.(17) More than 90% of those who abort at 17 or younger have not had a previous full-term pregnancy, compared to 78% of patients age 18-19 and 49% of abortion patients overall.(18)

Teens are more likely to abort because of pressure from their parents or partner(19)

Teens more likely to report being misinformed in pre-abortion counseling(20)

Teens more likely to have riskier late-term abortions According to the CDC, approximately 30% of abortions among teens take place at 13 weeks gestation or greater, compared to only 12% among women in general.(21)

Late-term abortions are associated with …

— More severe psychological complications

This is often because the woman wants to continue the pregnancy but ends up aborting because of pressure from others or her circumstances.(22) Women who have 2nd-trimester abortions are more likely to express ambivalence, regret, moral or religious objections, and to have a more favorable attitude toward the unborn child than women having 1sttrimester abortions.(23)

— Higher risk of serious physical complications

Teens who abort in the 2nd and 3rd trimester face a greater risk of physical complications, including endometritis, intrauterine adhesions, PID, subsequent miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, ruptured uterus, and death.(24)

— Trouble with later pregnancies for mother and baby D&E abortions, frequently used in the second trimester, are associated with low birth weight in later pregnancies, which can lead to health and developmental problems for the baby, including cerebral palsy.(25)

Grief, trauma and self-destructive outcomes

— Teens who abort are twice as likely as their peers to abuse alcohol, marijuana, or cocaine.(26)

— Teens have greater difficulty coping after abortion,(27) leading to problems such as suicide, psychological problems, substance abuse, and difficulty in relationships

— Negative effects on relationships and parenting. Teens who report “being particularly fond of children” do not do as well psychologically after an abortion.(28) Teenagers who have abortions often have problems regarding sexuality and parenting later in life.(29)

A lonely, traumatic experience. The abortion procedure itself is considered by many teenagers to be stressful and associated with feelings of guilt, depression, and a sense of isolation.(30)

A nightmare that doesn’t end. Teens are more likely to report severe nightmares and to score higher on scales measuring antisocial traits, paranoia, drug abuse, and psychotic delusions than are older abortion patients.(31)

Four times higher risk of repeat abortion. Teens who abort are likely to become pregnant again within the next few years.(32) Among pregnant teens, those who had had an abortion were at least 4 times more likely to abort.(33) For additional information on post-abortion research and links to published studies, visit www.afterabortion.org.

Citations

1. B. Garfinkel, et al., “Stress, Depression and Suicide: A Study of Adolescents in Minnesota,” Responding to High Risk Youth (University of Minnesota: Minnesota Extension Service, 1986)
2. M. Gissler, et. al., “Suicides After Pregnancy in Finland: 1987-94: register linkage study,” British Medical Journal, 313: 1431-1434, 1996; and N. Campbell, et. al., “Abortion in Adolescence,” Adolescence, 23:813-823, 1988.
3. B. Garfinkel, et al., op. cit.
4. M. Gissler, et. al., op. cit.
5. W. Franz & D. Reardon, “Differential Impact of Abortion on adolescents and adults,” Adolescence, 27 (105), 172, 1992.
6. R. Somers, “Risk of Admission to Psychiatric Institutions Among Danish Women Who Experienced Induced Abortion: An Analysis Based on National Report Linkage” (Ph.D. Dissertation, Los Angeles: University of California, 1979, Disseration Abstracts International, Public Health 2621-B, Order No. 7926066)
7. “Teenage Pregnancy: Overall Trends and State-by-State Information,” Report by the Alan Guttmmacher Institute, Washington, DC, www.agi.org.
8. S. Ertelt, “Woman Dies Following Use of RU-486 Abortion Drug,” posted at www.lifenews.com, Sept. 19, 2003; K. Sherlock, Victims of Choice (Akron: Brennyman Books, 1996) 31-32, 40-41; and P. Nowak, “Family of Detroit Girl Who Died From Abortion Speaks Out,” posted at www.lifenews.com/state504.html, April 9, 2004. 9. R. Kerrison, “Horror Tale of Abortion,” New York Post, Jan. 7, 1991.
10. PK Coleman, “Resolution of Unwanted Pregnancy During Adolescence Through Abortion Versus Childbirth: Individual and Family Predictors and Psychological Consequences,” Journal of Youth and Adolescence (2006).
11. JR Cougle, DC Reardon & PK Coleman, “Depression Associated With Abortion and Childbirth: A Long-Term Analysis of the NLSY Cohort,” Medical Science Monitor 9(4):CR105-112, 2003.
12. VM Rue et. al., “Induced abortion and traumatic stress: A preliminary comparison of American and Russian women,” Medical Science Monitor 10(10): SR5-16, 2004.
13. E. Belanger, et. al., “Pain of First Trimester Abortion: A Study of Psychosocial and Medical Predictors,” Pain, 36:339; and G.M. Smith, et. al., “Pain of first trimester abortion: Its quantification and relationships with other variables,” American Journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, 133:489, 1979.
14. R.T. Burkman, et. al., “Morbidity Risk Among Young Adolescents Undergoing Elective Abortion,” Contraception, 30(2):99, 1984; and K.F. Schulz, et. al., “Measures to Prevent Cervical Injury During Suction Curettage Abortion,” The Lancet, 1182-1184, May 28, 1993 .
15. R.T. Burkman, et. al., “Culture and treatment results in endometritis following elective abortion,” American J. Obstet. & Gynecol., 128:556, 1997; and D. Avonts and P. Piot, “Genital infections in women undergoing induced abortion,” European J. Obstet. & Gynecol. & Reproductive Biology, 20:53, 1985; and W. Cates, Jr., “Teenagers and Sexual Risk-Taking: The Best of Times and the Worst of Times,” Journal of Adolescent Health, 12:84, 1991.
16. “Teenage Pregnancy: Overall Trends and State-by-State Information,” Report by the Alan Guttmmacher Institute, Washington, DC, www.agi.org.
17. J. Brind, et. al., “Induced abortion as an independent risk factor for breast cancer: a comprehensive review and analysis,” J. Epidemiology & Community Health, 50:481, 1996.
18. K.D. Kochanck, “Induced Terminations of Pregnancy, Reporting States 1988,” Monthly Vital Statistics Report, 39(12): Suppl. 1-32, April 30, 1991.
19. P. Barglow and S. Weinstein, “Therapeutic Abortion During Adolescence: Psychiatric Observations,” Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 2(4):33, 1973.
20. W. Franz& D. Reardon, “Differential Impact of Abortion on adolescents and adults,” Adolescence, 27 (105), 172, 1992.
21. T. Strahan, “Differential Adverse Impact on Teenagers Who Undergo Induced Abortion,” Association for Interdisciplinary Research Bulletin, 15(1):3, March/April 2000.
22. D. Reardon, Making Abortion Rare (Springfield, IL: Acorn Books, 1996) 162.
23. T. Strahan, “Psycho-Social Aspects of Late-Term Abortions,” Assoc. For Interdisciplinary Research Bulletin, 14(4):1, 2000.
24. R.T. Burkman, et. al., “Culture and treatment results in endometritis following elective abortion,” American J. Obstet. & Gynecol., 128:556, 1997; and S. Lurie and Z. Shoham, “Induced Midtrimester Abortion and Future Fertility: Where Are We Today?” International J. of Fertility, 40(6):311, 1995.
25. H.K. Atrash and C.J. Hogue, “The effect of pregnancy termination on future reproduction,” Baillieres Clinic Obstet. & Gynecol., 4(2):391, 1990; and B. Rooney, “Is Cerebral Palsy Ever a Choice?” The Post-Abortion Review, 8(4):4-5, Oct.-Dec. 2000.
26. H. Amaro, et al., “Drug use among adolescent mothers: profile of risk,” Pediatrics, 84, 1989, 144-150.
27. Horowitz, “Adolescent Mourning Reactions to Infant and Fetal Loss,” Soc. Casework, 59:551, 1978.
28. E. M. Smith, “A follow-up study of women who request abortion,” American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 1973, 43: 574-585.
29. G. Zakus, G. & Wilday, “Adolescent Abortion Option.” Social Work in Health Care, 12, 1987, 77-91.
30. F. Biro, et al., “Acute and Long-Term Consequences of Adolescents Who Choose Abortions,” Pediatric Annals, 15(10):667-672, 1986.
31. N. Campbell, et. al., “Abortion in Adolescence,” Adolescence, 23:813-823, 1988.
32. S.R. Wheeler, “Adolescent Pregnancy Loss,” in J.R. Woods, Jr. and J.L. Woods (eds.), Loss During Pregnancy or the Newborn Period (1997); and H. Cvejic et. al., “Follow-up of 50 adolescent girls 2 years after abortion,” Canadian Medical Assoc. Journal, 116:44, 1997.
33. T. Joyce, “The Social and Economic Correlates of Pregnancy Resolution Among Adolescents in New York by Race and Ethnicity: A Mulitvariate Analysis,” American J. of Public Health, 78(6):626, 1988

 

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Abortion’s Harm to Women: Recent Research

A number of studies have been done recently that document abortion’s harm to women. This is a collection of them.

Recent Research: Abortion’s Harm to Women

62% Higher Risk of Death from All Causes, 2.5 Times Higher Risk of Suicide

Compared to women who give birth, women who abort have an elevated risk of death from all causes, which persists for at least eight years. Higher risk of death from suicide and accidents were most prominent. Projected on the national population, this effect may contribute to 2,000 – 5,000 more deaths among women each year.(1) Southern Medical Journal, 2002

3.5 Times Higher Death Rates from Suicide, Accidents, Homicides (Suicide 6 Times Higher)

Researchers examining deaths among the entire population of women in Finland found that those who had abortions had a 3.5 times higher death rate from suicide, accidents, or homicides in the following year. Suicide rates among aborting women were six times higher compared to women who gave birth and two times higher compared to women who miscarried.(2) European Journal of Public Health, 2005

Abortion Deaths Underreported on Death Certificates

A study of medical records in Finland found that 94 % of maternal deaths associated with abortion are not identifiable from death certificates alone. The researchers found that linking death certificates to medical records showed that the death rate associated with abortion is three times higher than that associated with childbirth.(3) Paediatric Perinatal Epidemiology, 2004

65% Suffered Trauma, 31% Had Health Complications

In this study comparing American and Russian women who had experienced abortion, 65% of American women studied experienced multiple symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which they attributed to their abortions. Slightly over 14% reported all the symptoms necessary for a clinical diagnosis of abortion induced PTSD, and 84% said they did not receive adequate counseling.(4) 31% had health complications afterward. Medical Science Monitor, 2004

64% Involve Coercion, 84% Not Fully Informed

In the above study comparing American and Russian women who had experienced abortion, 64% of American women reported that they felt pressured by others to abort.5 84% said they did not receive adequate counseling.(4) Medical Science Monitor, 2004

Higher Rates of Depression, Substance Abuse, Suicidal Behavior After Abortion

In a New Zealand study, women who had abortions subsequently experienced higher rates of substance abuse, anxiety disorders, and suicidal behavior than women who had not had abortions, even after controlling for pre-existing conditions. Approximately 42% of women with a history of abortion had experienced major depression in the last four years (nearly double the rate of women who had not been pregnant and 35% higher than those who carried to term).(6) Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2006 Significantly Higher Risk of Clinical Depression

Compared to women who carry their first unintended pregnancies to term, women who abort their first pregnancies are at significantly higher risk of clinical depression as measured an average of eight years after their first pregnancies.(7) British Medical Journal, 2002

65% Higher Risk of Clinical Depression

Analysis of a federally funded longitudinal study of American women revealed that women who aborted were 65% more likely to be at risk of long-term clinical depression after controlling for age, race, education, marital status, history of divorce, income, and prior psychiatric state.(8) Medical Science Monitor, 2003

30% Higher Risk of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Researchers compared women who had no prior history of anxiety and who had experienced a first, unintended pregnancy. Women who aborted were 30% more likely to subsequently report all the symptoms associated with a diagnosis for generalized anxiety disorder, compared to women who carried to term.(9)Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 2005

Five Times Higher Risk of Substance Abuse

Women who abort are five times more likely to report subsequent drug or alcohol abuse than women who deliver.(10) American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 2000 Unintended First Pregnancies: Increased Substance Abuse if Women Abort

Among women who had unintended first pregnancies, those who had abortions were more likely to report, an average of four years later, more frequent and recent use of alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine than women who gave birth. This is the first study to compare substance abuse rates among women who had unintended pregnancies.(11) American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 2004

Nearly Twice as Likely to Be Treated for Sleep Disorders, Which Are Often Trauma-Related

In a record based study of nearly 57,000 women with no known history of sleep disorders, women were more likely to be treated for sleep disorders after having an abortion compared to giving birth. Aborting women were nearly twice as likely to be treated for sleep disorders in the first 180 days after the pregnancy ended compared to delivering women. Numerous studies have shown that trauma victims will often experience sleep difficulties.(12) Sleep, 2006

Records-Based Study Indicates More Outpatient Psychiatric Care

Analysis of California Medicaid records shows that women who have abortions subsequently require significantly more treatments for psychiatric illness through outpatient care.(13) American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 2002

160% More Likely to be Hospitalized for Psychiatric Treatment

A review of the medical records of 56,741 California Medicaid patients revealed that women who had abortions were 160% more likely than delivering women to be hospitalized for psychiatric treatment in the first 90 days following abortion or delivery. Psychiatric treatment rates remained significantly higher for at least four years.(14) Canadian Medical Association Journal, 2003

Screening for Known Risk Factors Would Dramatically Reduce Abortions

This study is an analysis of 63 medical studies that identify risk factors that predict negative psychological reactions to abortion. The review concludes that the number of women suffering from negative emotional reactions to abortion could be dramatically reduced if abortion clinics screened women for these risk factors.(15) The Journal of Contemporary Health Law and Policy, 2004

Subsequent Children Are Negatively Affected

The children of women who had abortions have less supportive home environments and more behavioral problems than children of women without a history of abortion. This finding supports the view that abortion may negatively affect bonding with subsequent children, disturb mothering skills, and otherwise impact a woman’s psychological stability.(16) Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2002

Drug Abuse During Subsequent Pregnancies Five Times More Likely

Among women delivering their first pregnancy, women with a history of abortion are five times more likely to use illicit drugs and two times more likely to use alcohol during their pregnancies. This substance use places their unborn children at risk of birth defects, low birth weight, and death.(17) American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dec. 2002

Increased Smoking and Drug Abuse During Subsequent Pregnancies

A study of women who had just given birth found that compared to women who had experienced other types of pregnancy loss or had never had an abortion, women who had previously had an abortion are more likely to smoke, drink alcohol, or use marijuana, cocaine, or other illegal drugs during pregnancy.(18) British Journal of Health Psychology, 2005

95% Want To Be Fully Informed of All Statistically Associated Risks

Women considering elective surgery, such as abortion, consider all information about physical or psychological risks to be very relevant to their decisions. Fully 95 percent of patients wished to be informed of all risks statistically associated with a procedure, even if the causal connection between the procedure and risk has not been fully proven. (This finding is especially relevant to abortion providers who assert that, without proof that abortion directly causes problems such as depression or breast cancer, women would prefer not to be given such “worrisome” and “unnecessary” information.)(19) Journal of Medical Ethics, 2006

Teens Have More Mental Health Problems After Abortion, Even With Unplanned Pregnancies

A nationally representative study found that adolescent girls who abort unintended pregnancies are five times more likely to seek subsequent help for psychological and emotional problems compared to their peers who carry unintended pregnancies to term, after controlling for previous mental health history, family situations and other factors that might influence mental health. Teens who aborted were also three times more likely to report having trouble sleeping and nine times more likely to report subsequent marijuana use. (20) Journal of Youth & Adolescence, 2006

Abortion Increases Risk of Later Miscarriage by 60%

Researchers in the U.K. surveyed women ages 18 to 55 about their reproductive histories, lifestyles and relationships and found that women who had a previous abortion had a 60 percent higher risk of miscarriage during a subsequent pregnancy.(21) BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2006

The Elliot Institute was involved in many of the studies listed above. For more comprehensive information, including links to some of the published studies, visit www.afterabortion.org/news. Citations

1. DC Reardon et. al., “Deaths Associated With Pregnancy Outcome: A Record Linkage Study of Low Income Women,” Southern Medical Journal 95(8):834-41, Aug. 2002.
2. M. Gissler et. al., “Injury deaths, suicides and homicides associated with pregnancy, Finland 1987-2000,” European J. Public Health 15(5):459-63, 2005.
3. M. Gissler, et. al., “Methods for identifying pregnancyassociated deaths: populationbased data from Finland 1987-2000,” Paediatric Perinatal Epidemiology 18(6): 44855, Nov. 2004.
4. VM Rue et. al., “Induced abortion and traumatic stress: A preliminary comparison of American and Russian women,” Medical Science Monitor 10(10): SR5-16, 2004.
5. Ibid.
6. David M. Fergusson, et. al., “Abortion in young women and subsequent mental health,” Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 47(1):16-24, 2006.
7. DC Reardon, JR Cougle, “Depression and Unintended Pregnancy in the National Longitudinal Study of Youth: A Cohort Study,” British Medical Journal 324:151-2, 2002.
8. JR Cougle, DC Reardon & PK Coleman, “Depression Associated With Abortion and Childbirth: A Long-Term Analysis of the NLSY Cohort,” Medical Science Monitor 9(4):CR105-112, 2003.
9. JR Cougle, DC Reardon, PK Coleman, “Generalized Anxiety Following Unintended Pregnancies Resolved Through Childbirth and Abortion: A Cohort Study of the 1995 National Survey of Family Growth,” Journal of Anxiety Disorders 19:137-142 (2005).
10. DC Reardon, PG Ney, “Abortion and Subsequent Substance Abuse,” American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse 26(1):61-75, 2000.
11. D.C. Reardon, P.K. Coleman, and J.R. Cougle, “Substance use associated with unintended pregnancy outcomes in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth,” American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse 26(1):369-383, 2004.
12. DC Reardon and PK Coleman, “Relative Treatment Rates for Sleep Disorders and Sleep Disturbances Following Abortion and Childbirth: A Prospective Record Based-Study,” Sleep 29(1):105-106, 2006.
13. PK Coleman et. al., “State-Funded Abortions Versus Deliveries: A Comparison of Outpatient Mental Health Claims Over Four Years,” American Journal of Orthopsychiatry 72(1):141-152, 2002.
14. DC Reardon et. al., “Psychiatric Admissions of Low-Income Women Following Abortions and Childbirth,” Canadian Medical Association Journal 168(10): May 13, 2003. 15. David C. Reardon, “The Duty to Screen: Clinical, Legal, and Ethical Implications of Predictive Risk Factors of Post-Abortion Maladjustment,” The Journal of Contemporary Health Law and Policy 20(2):33-114, Spring 2004.
16. PK Coleman, DC Reardon, & JR Cougle, “The Quality of the Caregiving Environment and Child Developmental Outcomes Associated with Maternal History of Abortion Using the NLSY Data,” Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 43(6):743-57, 2002.
17. PK Coleman et. al., “A History of Induced Abortion in Relation to Substance Abuse During Subsequent Pregnancies Carried to Term,” American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 1673-8, Dec. 2002.
18. PK Coleman, DC Reardon, JR Cougle, “Substance use among pregnant women in the context of previous reproductive loss and desire for current pregnancy,” British Journal of Health Psychology 10, 255-268, 2005.
19. PK Coleman, DC Reardon, MB Lee, “Women’s preferences for information and complication seriousness ratings related to elective medical procedures,” Journal of Medical Ethics, 32:435-438 (2006).
20. PK Coleman, “Resolution of Unwanted Pregnancy During Adolescence Through Abortion Versus Childbirth: Individual and Family Predictors and Psychological Consequences,” Journal of Youth and Adolescence (2006).
21. N. Maconochie, P. Doyle, S. Prior, R. Simmons, “Risk factors for first trimester miscarriage: results from a UK-population-based case control study,” BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Dec 2006. Abstract available at www.blackwell-synergy.com.

 

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Abortion Leads to Woman Having Fingers Amputated

After her 1981 abortion by Dr. X, Naomi had to have portions of three fingers amputated because the drugs that she was given were improperly administered.”

Los Angeles County Superior Court case number W EC 073497

Mark Crutcher “Lime 5: Exploited by Choice ” (Denton, Texas: Life Dynamics Incorporated, 1996) 189

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Woman Left in Coma after Abortion, Needs Nursing Home Care for the Rest of Her Life

Nina underwent an abortion by Dr. X on January 2, 1988. During the procedure, she went into cardiac arrest, but the doctor did not have the training or equipment to deal with it. As a result, Nina was left comatose, legally incapacitated, and in need of nursing home care for the remainder of her life.”

Wayne County (MI) Circuit Court case number 90 – 016792 NH

Mark Crutcher “Lime 5: Exploited by Choice ” (Denton, Texas: Life Dynamics Incorporated, 1996) 70

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Mother of Two in “Permanent Vegetative State” after Abortion

“Laverne” a 35-year-old mother of two, underwent an abortion at a Washington DC area abortion clinic in November 1987. The nurse improperly placed a tube for anesthesia into her esophagus instead of her trachea. Before the mistake was discovered, the oxygen supply to her brain was cut off, leaving Laverne in a permanent vegetative state.”

Washington DC Superior Court civil action number 10616 – 87

 

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Abortion Leaves Woman Seriously Brain-Damaged

“Shelby” age 50, had an abortion by Dr. X. Immediately after the abortion began, she had a reaction to a drug the abortionist had given her and experienced a grossly abnormal elevation in blood pressure. The doctor dismissed the reaction as transient and left after completing the procedure. Half an hour later, Shelby went into cardiopulmonary arrest. The resulting lack of oxygen left her severely and permanently brain-damaged. She now requires 24-hour care and lives in a nursing home.”

Cook County Illinois Circuit Court case number 80L 1539; Illinois appellate court, first district, case number 1 – 89 – 2165, 1 – 89 – 2357, Associated Press 4/15/89, 4/16/89, 4/17/89; York Daily Record 4/17/89

Mark Crutcher “Lime 5: Exploited by Choice ” (Denton, Texas: Life Dynamics Incorporated, 1996) 70

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Planned Parenthood Neglect Injures Woman

“On August 30, 1990 Diona went to a Planned Parenthood facility for pre-abortion counseling and a gonorrhea culture. The abortionist proceeded with the abortion prior to obtaining the results of the culture. On September 2 and 3rd, Diana called Planned Parenthood to complain of cramps and fever, but was unable to reach anyone. On September 4 they returned her call, and told her that since her temperature was only 99.5, she should keep taking her Tylenol. Diona’s symptoms worsened, and on September 11 she was admitted to a local hospital with “bilateral tubo-ovarian abscesses.” She underwent laparoscopicy, pelvic laparotomy, removal of lesions, drainage of abscesses, and a D&C. The results of the gonorrhea culture were reported to Planned Parenthood staff on September 4, but they did not attempt to advise Diona of this until September 11, after she was already hospitalized.”

This woman was lucky to have survived. Here are some stories from women who are not as lucky.

Philadelphia County “PA” Court of Common Pleas case number 92 – 04 – 683

Mark Crutcher “Lime 5: Exploited by Choice ” (Denton, Texas: Life Dynamics Incorporated, 1996) 67

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Abortionist Delays Calling Ambulance For Injured Woman Until Protesters Leave

“On August 19, 1988 Tamera had an abortion by Dr. X in a Fargo, North Dakota, abortion clinic. Afterward, she bled profusely, suffered low blood pressure, and drifted in and out of consciousness. The clinic staff instructed her to squeeze her legs together and attempt to clench her vagina. When they tried to move her, she had a gush of blood and her friend demanded that she be taken to the hospital. The abortionist refused, and instead performed at least one D&C in an unsuccessful attempt to stop the bleeding. Her friend demanded to see Tamera and again insisted that they “do something.” Antiabortion protesters were in front of the building during this time, and Roe waited until they left to call an ambulance. At that point, 5 1/2 hours had passed since Tamera’s injury. She later recalled the emergency room personnel were shouting, “We’re losing her, we’re losing her.” She was given transfusions of several pints of blood, and was given an emergency hysterectomy to stop the bleeding.”

Cass County (ND) District Court civil case number 901491, Bismarck Tribune 10/13/91

Mark Crutcher “Lime 5: Exploited by Choice ” (Denton, Texas: Life Dynamics Incorporated, 1996) 62

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Woman Needs Six Hours of Surgery after Her Abortion

“Robin” age 19, had an abortion by Dr. X on February 22, 1980. As the doctor later admitted, he realized during the abortion that the fetus was closer to 16 or 17 weeks than the 11 or 12 weeks he had estimated, but he continued to employ an early abortion technique on this advanced pregnancy. Robin pleaded for him to stop due to the pain, but he told her that he was saving her money by not giving her anesthetic and to “hold on an little longer.” He persisted for over an hour, perforating her uterus and bladder and lacerating her cervix. Although Robin went into shock, there was a delay of over an hour before she was finally taken to the hospital. Even then, the clinic sent her in a taxi rather than an ambulance. In the emergency room, doctors found the abdomen full of blood. Robin required 16 units of blood, and six hours in surgery to repair her uterus and bladder. She also needed a hysterectomy. She spent four days in the intensive care unit, nearly died and was hospitalized for about a month.

Since her release from the hospital, Robin has suffered thrombophelbitis, urinary tract infections, pain and swelling in her leg, migraines and painful and irregular periods. Medical records show that the pregnancy was between 19 and 21 weeks.

Robin was fortunate to have survived. Read the stories of some women who were not as fortunate.

Suffolk (MA) Superiour Court Civil Action No. 47117

Mark Crutcher “Lime 5: Exploited by Choice ” (Denton, Texas: Life Dynamics Incorporated, 1996)p 55-56

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Doctor Botches Abortion, leaves woman “Expelling Fetal Tissue”

“Linda” had an abortion performed by Dr. X on April 5, 1986. When she was examined by the abortionist prior to the procedure, he and several others were talking back and forth, unsure of the age of the fetus. Finally, one of them said “we’ll say 13 weeks,” and the others all agreed. The doctor then began performing a suction abortion and a few minutes later removed the suction cannula from the patient and left the room. Linda was led into a waiting room and then discharged. On April 8 she suffered from a bloated and sore abdomen, with pain so severe that she became alarmed and called her sister. After she began to hemorrhage, discharging large clots of blood and tissue, her sister called an ambulance. When paramedics arrived, they found Linda bleeding profusely in severe pain, and discharging fetal tissue. They took her to a local hospital where a D & C was performed to remove the retained tissue. When Linda called the clinic to inform then of the emergency, an employee reponded “Well, you wanted to kill the baby and it’s dead now, so what’s the problem?”

Allegheny County (PA) Court of Common Pleas Case No. G.D. 88-05725

Mark Crutcher “Lime 5: Exploited by Choice ” (Denton, Texas: Life Dynamics Incorporated, 1996) 51

This woman was lucky to have survived her abortion. Read the stories of women were not as fortunate

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