Abortion has been legally provided in medical settings in the United States since the early 1970s. Before this time, abortions were commonly performed in unsafe conditions, and maternal complications and death were common.

Illegally performed abortions have greater risks of complications than those performed legally with good medical care. An abortion done without medical care has an increased risk of:

• Damage to the uterus or cervix from sharp objects (perforation or laceration).
• Infection. Severe infection (septic abortion) from dirty or foreign objects is a very serious complication.
• Uncontrolled bleeding (hemorrhage).
• Poisoning from eating or drinking unsafe substances meant to end a pregnancy.
• Death.

In countries where abortion is legal and safe, maternal death following an abortion is very rare—fewer than 1 in 100,000 (0.001%). But maternal death after unsafe abortion is still a major health problem in countries where abortion isn't legal. Throughout the world, illegal abortions are responsible for 68,000 deaths per year.¹