Abortion may sometimes seem like the only way out of a difficult situation. But you should be aware that abortion has risks. Common side effects from induced abortion will often include vomiting, cramping, abdominal pain and diarrhea. You are encouraged to contact a trusted abortion alternatives clinic for a full range of unplanned pregnancy and abortion information, advice and alternatives. Although some bleeding following an abortion is considered normal, heavy bleeding, or hemorrhage, may take place if the uterus artery is accidentally torn. There is a chance a transfusion may be required should this happen. Infection which may lead to a serious infection. If the resulting fever proves difficult to get rid of, a woman may require hospitalization over several days. Incomplete abortion is the result of some parts of the fetus not being completely removed in the procedure. This may cause more extensive bleeding and/or infection.

The cervix may be torn by the instruments, such as curettes and suction tubing, used in the procedure. Permanent scarring of the uterine lining may also result. Perforation of the uterus may result from instruments used in the abortion procedure. This risk increases in later pregnancies. A hysterectomy and other major surgery may be required if this happens. Other internal organs such as the bowel and bladder may be damaged by instruments that accidentally puncture the uterus.

Death can result in extremely rare circumstances. A patient’s demise is usually caused by extreme cases of any of the above conditions such as organ damage, a perforated uterus, or extensive bleeding. An adverse reaction to anesthesia can lead to convulsions and a fatal heart attack as well. According to CDC figures, death results in fewer than 20 cases per year across the U.S. Post-Abortion Stress (PAS) can occur in the days following an abortion, or it might happen years down the road. This is a psychological condition that is triggered by things such as religion, the age of the woman, and how far along in the pregnancy she was when the abortion was performed. There is a potential of risk for future pregnancies for some women after they have had an abortion during their first pregnancy. Injuries to the reproductive tract may make miscarriage a very real possibility.

Abortion is a felony crime in Jamaica. The 1864 Offenses Against Persons Act renders steep penalties for obtaining or attending an abortion. In Jamaica, abortions are only legal in order to save the life of the mother, or to preserve her physical and/or mental health. According to the 1864 Act, abortions are not legal in cases of rape, incest, impairment of the fetus, and especially not simply because the pregnancy is unplanned, unwanted, or inconvenient, however, common law will allow abortion in cases of rape, incest and fetal abnormality even though both the woman and the abortion practitioner can be jailed for the abortion itself. The law on the books and the common application of the law are extremely contradictory. Anyone found guilty of self-inducing an abortion, or assisting someone in getting an abortion may be subject to life in prison.

The Medical Association of Jamaica reports that, in 2004, the third leading cause of maternal death was abortion and, that, despite the current laws against abortion, it was committed to making sure that all women, who chose to do so, had access to safe and properly performed abortions. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that more than 19 million illegal abortions are performed around the world each year and that those abortions are often performed under conditions that are not sterile and are performed by unlicensed practitioners.

Teen pregnancy rates are at an all time high in Jamaica and, even though teenage girls have been offered the option of the abortion pill, they still continue to seek illegal abortions. By the age of 19, a full 45 percent of Jamaican women have been pregnant. As an added complication, the rate of HIV and AIDS is on the rise in Jamaica due to the number of young women resorting to prostitution in order to pay for an abortion. Women’s groups are currently discussing their own positions on abortion. Most are pro-choice, but others seem reluctant to go public with a firm stance. In the United States, Roe vs. Wade decided the abortion issue in legal terms. This is not to say that abortion does not remain a heated debate in this country and many others. Ultimately, Jamaica will have to pass a firm law that defines abortion and the access to abortion services for that country’s women. Either way that decision goes will elicit debate and possible violence.