Dear Moon1,

Abortion is a very safe procedure. It's about twice as safe as having tonsils removed, and is much safer than giving birth. In fact, it's 11 times safer than giving birth if it is performed before the 18th week of pregnancy. Ninety percent of abortions are performed in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Each year, two out of every 100 women aged 15-44 have an abortion; 47 percent of them have had at least one previous abortion. The risks for the second are generally the same as for the first, if they are both performed at the same stage of pregnancy. There is no evidence that having more than one abortion causes any health problems.

However, the risks increase the longer a pregnancy goes on. That's why the most important thing is not to delay the abortion procedure. Generally, the earlier the abortion, the safer it is.

However, abortion can be prevented by proper use of birth control. Call 1-800-230-PLAN for information about birth control and abortion services at your nearest Planned Parenthood health center.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.