Dear greenie,

Yes. Abortion is a very safe procedure. It's about twice as safe as a shot of penicillin, and is 11 times safer than giving birth. Contrary to what you may have heard, abortion does not increase the risk of

• birth defects, premature birth, or low birth weight in future pregnancies
  
  
• breast cancer



• ectopic or tubal pregnancy



• miscarriage

The fact is that nearly half of all women in the United States will have an abortion by the time they are 45 years old. Of course, most abortions could be prevented by the proper use of contraception.

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.