Is it safe to have multiple abortions?

Abortion is an incredibly safe medical treatment, and there is no limit to how many abortions a person can have. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about having more than one abortion, either over time or within a short period, so you can feel confident in your choices (especially when myths and stigma make the answers hard to find).

If you’re looking for a safe way to end a pregnancy at home, Hey Jane offers FDA-approved abortion pills online with support from our expert clinical team. To see if you’re eligible, complete our quick intake form.

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Abortion is safe—even more than once

Both medication and in-clinic procedural abortions are very safe medical treatments. All of this remains true even if you’ve had multiple abortions. In fact:

• Abortion is 14 times safer for the pregnant person than childbirth (Source)
• The abortion pill is safer than popular medicines Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Viagra (sildenafil)
• Only 2% of people experience complications (Source)

Each abortion is its own event, and there’s no evidence that having more than one increases health risks. If you’d like more peace of mind, a trusted health care provider can assess your individual needs every time to ensure you have the support you need. It’s not about a “limit”—it’s about doing what’s right for you.

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Can multiple abortions affect fertility?

A big concern some people may have is whether having multiple abortions impacts the ability to get pregnant in the future. The science is clear: Abortions typically don’t affect your ability to conceive or carry a pregnancy later. In fact, it tells us you can get pregnant in the future.

However, in very rare cases, complications such as infection, uterine scarring, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)—could affect fertility for people who undergo medication or procedural abortions. It’s important to remember that abortion complications happen to less than 2% of people thanks to modern medical practices. They are typically minor and easily treated with antibiotics or a follow-up procedure. Complication risks are even lower with medication abortion, as it occurs earlier in pregnancy and does not involve medical tools in the uterus.

If you have specific concerns about your fertility, it’s always a good idea to speak with your health care provider for guidance.

Does timing between abortions matter?

Life is unpredictable, and some people may need more than one abortion within a short time. Whether months or years apart, the timing between abortions doesn’t make the procedure any less safe.

Keep in mind that a pregnancy test can stay positive for weeks after a successful abortion, or longer if there is still pregnancy tissue  in the uterus (a very rare but possible result). If you have a positive test right after an abortion, it’s important to get evaluated by a provider to confirm if there is a new pregnancy.

While there’s no legal limit on how many abortions you can have, many states have other restrictions on abortion such as how far into a pregnancy abortion can happen, or the types of care available. These restrictions are typically rooted in political agendas rather than medical necessity, so it’s important to be aware of your state’s laws. Check out our state guides on abortion cost, laws, and more here.

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Emotional well-being after multiple abortions

While abortion is physically safe, everyone processes the experience differently. Some people feel at peace with their decision, while others may have mixed emotions. 

If you need support, talking to a counselor, therapist, or trusted loved ones can help. Processing your feelings in a safe space can make a big difference, and we’ve compiled a list of Hey Jane-approved resources to make that search a little easier.

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How to prevent future pregnancies (if that’s what you want)

If you’ve had an abortion and want to avoid needing another, discussing birth control options with a health care provider can help. There are many methods to choose from—like birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), arm implants, the ring, the shot, the patch, or condom. 

However, no method is perfect, and life happens. If you find yourself needing another abortion in the future, know that it’s okay to seek care again. At Hey Jane, we’ve here to support you with expert and empathetic care that will never judge or shame a person for making the best decision for them.

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There’s no such thing as “too many” abortions

The idea that there’s a “limit” to how many abortions someone can, or should, have is rooted in stigma, not science. Unfortunately, this belief can add unnecessary guilt to what’s a very personal decision. The reality is that there’s no maximum number of abortions—and you should be able to access the care you need when you need it. 

If you have questions or need support, Hey Jane’s clinical team is here to help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health. To get started with safe, judgment-free abortion care, click here.