The Science Is Clear: Abortion Is Health Care–Everything Else Is Misinformation

Abortion isn’t a radical, fringe issue despite what is heard in national discourse.. It’s healthcare, it’s common, it’s safe, and it’s something people have always turned to when they need to make decisions about their bodies, their lives, and their futures. It’s why major medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the World Health Organization (WHO), define abortion as an essential part of reproductive health care. So why is it surrounded by shame, silence, and lies?

Abortion, when done legally and with medical support, rarely leads to complications. For medication abortion performed at or before 9 weeks of gestation, the risk of major complications is about 0.4%. For procedural (surgical) abortions, the rate of major complications is also very low, less than that for aspiration abortions and far lower than the risks associated with childbirth, according to the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. This is a medical procedure backed by decades of scientific evidence and endorsed by major health organizations worldwide. It’s an essential part of reproductive health care and a critical tool for people to make decisions about their bodies, lives, and futures.

But despite decades of scientific data and lived experience, abortion continues to be distorted by misinformation designed to confuse, stigmatize, and control. Let’s cut through the noise and talk about what abortion really is, and what it’s not.

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There’s No Link Between Abortion and Cancer

One persistent myth claims that abortion causes breast cancer. This is false. Comprehensive reviews by the American Cancer Society and organizations like Planned Parenthood have all found no causal relationship between abortion and breast cancer. The confusion stems from flawed early studies that failed to account for key variables like pregnancy history. A 2020 study that re-analyzed data from all studies about abortion and breast cancer up to 2018 found that women who’ve had abortions didn’t experience a higher risk of breast cancer. Decades of more rigorous research have consistently shown no link between abortion and cancer.

Regret Is Rare

Contrary to popular belief, most people don’t regret having an abortion. A major longitudinal study from UC San Francisco followed individuals for five years after their abortion and found that over 95% said it was the right decision for them. While people can have complex emotions, the dominant feeling reported was relief, not regret. Framing abortion as a source of lasting emotional trauma ignores real-world data and undermines people’s lived experiences. Abortion-related lasting trauma is more often the result of stigma, judgment, and harmful policies that restrict or eliminate access to it, putting people in life-threatening situations or directly leading to their deaths. 

Emergency Contraception and Medication Abortion Aren’t the Same 

Emergency contraception and medication abortion are two different medical options for people who want to terminate a pregnancy. Emergency contraception, commonly known as the “morning-after pill,” works to prevent pregnancy and is meant to be taken soon after unprotected sex, ideally within 24 hours, but it can be used up to five days (120 hours) afterward, depending on the type. In contrast, medication abortion, also known as “abortion pills,” involves taking a combination of pills, typically mifepristone and misoprostol, to end an existing pregnancy. Confusing these medications spreads misinformation and can delay timely access to care.

The Reasons for Abortion Are Personal

Too often, abortion is treated like something only acceptable in extreme cases. In reality, people seek abortions for many reasons, not just health-related issues or cases of rape or incest, but also economic hardship, lack of partner support, timing, caring for other children, or being unprepared for parenthood. Every person’s situation is unique, and their decision deserves respect, not judgment, whatever the reason may be. Reducing abortion to only extreme medical cases or situations erases the complexity of real life and people living in it. 

Fertility Isn’t Affected by Abortion

Abortion doesn’t cause infertility, as many people claim. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) confirms that abortion, whether surgical or through medication, doesn’t harm a person’s ability to get pregnant in the future. The idea that abortion permanently damages reproductive health is a fear-based myth with no scientific foundation.

There’s No “Post-Abortion Syndrome”

So-called “post-abortion syndrome” isn’t a recognized medical condition. The term is rejected by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and organizations like the National Abortion Federation because it has been proven to lack scientific credibility. Most people who have an abortion don’t experience long-term psychological harm. In fact, emotional distress is more closely tied to social stigma and lack of support than to the procedure itself.

Pain Is Manageable

Medical abortion can involve cramping and bleeding, especially in the first 24 hours, but this doesn’t mean the process is unbearably painful or traumatic, as it’s often portrayed in the media. Pain levels vary, and most people manage symptoms with over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medication. When people are informed about what to expect and have access to medical support, they’re more prepared and confident throughout the experience.

Final Words: The Truth Matters

Manipulative pro-life narratives based on misinformation don’t reflect reality. The truth is that abortion is safe when it’s legally available and performed according to established medical guidelines. It doesn’t cause cancer, infertility, or lasting emotional damage. People who choose abortion do so for personal and valid reasons, and most don’t regret their decision. Accurate, stigma-free information is essential to support autonomy, dignity, and health for all. When the conversation about abortion is led with facts and compassion, people and communities are empowered to navigate these choices with clarity and care, and make the best possible decisions for themselves and their health.