4 Myths About Abortion #Tradwife TikTok Doesn’t Want You To Know
The rise of the "Tradwife" trend on TikTok offers a romanticized version of 1950s gender roles, where women are encouraged to embrace traditional domesticity, stay at home, and cater to their husbands and children. While proponents claim these roles empower women, many have also adopted an anti-choice stance, spreading misinformation about abortion. This blog aims to debunk some of the most harmful myths propagated by these narratives, giving accurate information to those who may be considering abortion.
Myth 1: Abortion Causes Breast Cancer
One of the most persistent myths touted by anti-choice groups, including some Tradwife advocates, is that abortion increases a person's risk of developing breast cancer. Many reputable medical organizations have thoroughly debunked this claim, including the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
These organizations affirm that there is no credible scientific evidence linking abortion with breast cancer. The roots of this myth come from flawed studies conducted in the 1980s and early 1990s. These studies often suffered from small sample sizes, selection bias, and inadequate controls. More rigorous and recent research, including large cohort studies conducted over the past two decades, has definitively shown no increased risk of breast cancer for those who have had an abortion.
In fact, some studies suggest that early termination of a pregnancy may have a protective effect on breast health. The Canadian Cancer Society, another reputable organization, also supports the conclusion that abortion does not increase the risk of breast cancer. Their position is based on research involving hundreds of thousands of participants worldwide, all leading to the same conclusion: there is no link between abortion and breast cancer.
This myth persists, not because of any scientific basis, but because it is a convenient scare tactic used by anti-abortion groups to deter people from seeking reproductive healthcare.
Your decision to have an abortion will not affect your future cancer risk.
Myth 2: Abortions Can Affect Future Fertility
A common fear among those considering an abortion is that it will affect their ability to have children in the future. This myth is not only false but also harmful. Research shows that the vast majority of people who have abortions do not experience any issues with fertility later on.
There are two primary types of abortion: surgical abortion (aka procedural) and medication abortion (often referred to as "the abortion pill"). Studies show that both procedures are incredibly safe when performed correctly, and neither has any lasting impact on an individual’s ability to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term.
The medication abortion procedure, which typically involves the use of Mifegymiso (a combination of Mifepristone and Misoprostol), has been shown in numerous studies to have no adverse effects on future fertility. Studies conducted in China and Scotland found that patients who underwent medication abortions experienced similar fertility outcomes to those who had never been pregnant or who had undergone surgical abortions.
As for procedural abortion, research also points to its safety, particularly when performed in early pregnancy. The risk of complications such as infection, which could potentially affect future fertility, is extremely low. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), complications occur in less than 1% of all procedural abortion cases.
Importantly, people can become pregnant almost immediately after an abortion, so it is essential to use contraception if you wish to prevent pregnancy afterward. Abortion is not a sterilizing procedure, and choosing to have one now does not limit your future family planning options.
Myth 3: Abortion Causes Ectopic Pregnancies
Another harmful and widely spread myth is that abortion increases the risk of ectopic pregnancies in the future. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. This condition can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
Research has consistently shown that there is no link between safe abortion procedures and an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. A 1990 review affirmed that early surgical abortions using vacuum aspiration do not contribute to adverse outcomes such as ectopic pregnancies. A more comprehensive study in 1997 also found no excess risk of ectopic pregnancy among individuals who had undergone multiple induced abortions.
Instead, factors such as age, untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and the number of prior pregnancies have a more significant impact on the risk of developing an ectopic pregnancy. For example, infections like chlamydia and trichomoniasis can cause scarring in the fallopian tubes, which increases the likelihood of an ectopic pregnancy.
Further research conducted in 2007 compared the outcomes of medical and surgical abortions, concluding that neither method increased the risk of ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, pre-term birth, or low birth weight in subsequent pregnancies. When performed safely, both types of abortion are equally non-threatening to future pregnancies.
The key takeaway? If you are considering an abortion, rest assured that it will not affect your chances of having a healthy pregnancy down the line. Ectopic pregnancies are unrelated to abortion and are instead more often linked to untreated infections and other pre-existing conditions.
Myth 4: Emergency Contraception and the Abortion Pill are the Same Thing
One of the most pervasive and confusing myths surrounding reproductive health is the idea that emergency contraception (like Plan B) is the same as the abortion pill. This myth is not only false but also dangerous, as it discourages people from using effective methods of contraception when they need it most.
The emergency contraceptive pill (ECP), commonly known as Plan B, works by preventing pregnancy before it happens. It does this by delaying ovulation, which ensures that no egg is available for sperm to fertilize. Emergency contraception is most effective when taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex, but it does not terminate an existing pregnancy.
In contrast, the abortion pill, which is a combination of Mifepristone and Misoprostol, works to terminate an established pregnancy (usually up to 10 weeks). These medications cause the pregnancy to end by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for the pregnancy to continue. The two medications then work together to expel the pregnancy tissue from the body.
It is essential to understand the difference between emergency contraception and abortion medication. Emergency contraception is a preventive measure, whereas the abortion pill is a treatment option for those who are already pregnant and wish to terminate the pregnancy.
You Deserve Informed Care
Pro-Choice YQL is here to provide accurate, evidence-based information about abortion and reproductive health. Misinformation spreads fear and stigma, making it harder for people to make the best choices for them. By debunking these myths, we hope to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
If you or someone you know is considering an abortion, remember that it is a safe and legal medical procedure that will not negatively impact your health, fertility, or future pregnancies.
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