Table 2.

Unsafe abortion types and complications.

Forms of unsafe abortion

Abortion Complications*

-Oral or injectable material: chloroquine, detergents, hormones, kerosene, lead, metal salts, oral contraceptive pills, phosphorus, teas/herbal remedies, turpentine, uterine stimulants (misoprostol or oxytocin) -Preparation placed in the cervix, vagina, or rectum: enemas, herbal preparations, misoprostol, potassium permanganate tablets -Intrauterine instrumentation: catheter insertion and infusion of substance (alcohol, saline), foreign body insertion (knitting needles, stitch hook, coat hanger, air blown through a syringe) -Transcervical introduction of substances: Cresol, phenol, soap -Trauma to abdomen or back: Abdominal massage, jumping from a height, lifting heavy weights, self-inflicted blows

-Bleeding -Retained products of conception -Misdiagnosed ectopic pregnancy -Uterine perforation -Retained cervical dilator -Amniotic fluid embolism -Misoprostol/substance toxicity -Post-abortion infection and endometritis

^*These complications may occur in both safe and unsafe abortions.