Abortion and infertility

Infertility is associated with abortion, for several reasons:

• retention of fetal tissue, whereby the abortion is incomplete and tissue is left in the uterus. The tissue can then cause infections that damage reproductive ability, resulting in future infertility.

• the scarring of inside the uterus or the top of the cervix. Abortions that dilate the cervix can damage it, and interfere with its ability to have a successful future pregnancy. Premature birth in future-born children, which can result in increased child mortality, is correlated with abortion.

• the spread of a sexually transmitted disease through the instruments used in the abortion. One study concluded that abortion decreased fertility in women who had an existing or prior Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.

• delaying childbirth due to abortion results in a natural increase in infertility

See also

• The Life Information Charitable Trust