On March 5^th, the National Women’s Health Network launched a Twitter campaign to bust some of the most common abortion myths. Here are five of the most tweeted about.

Myth #1: Abortion isn't safe.

False! Both medical (with pills) and surgical abortion are extremely safe procedures. Abortion is safer than many common procedures such as getting a colonoscopy, and it's definitely safer than giving birth. Safe, legal abortion access is beneficial to adults and children alike.

Myth #2: Abortion can lead to breast cancer.

There is no scientific evidence to back up this claim. Studies investigating a link between abortion and breast cancer have found no such link.  Actually, according to the American Cancer Society, there may be an increased risk of breast cancer for a short period of time after giving birth. The American Cancer Society and other experts agree that "the scientific evidence does not support the notion that abortion of any kind raises the risk of breast cancer or any other type of cancer." This is just another unsubstantiated claim that is used by anti-choice politicians, crisis pregnancy centers, and others who are opposed to abortion to try to dissuade people from making the choice to terminate a pregnancy.

Myth #3: Only straight, cisgender women have abortions.

When we talk about who gets abortions, we often use “women” to describe them. However, many transgender, gender nonconforming, non-binary, and other queer individuals are able to get pregnant. When we talk about who gets abortions, we should include everyone, not just straight, cisgender women. It’s important to listen to the varied experiences of all those who need abortion access.

Myth #4: Medication abortion can be reversed.

Medication abortion, or abortion with pills, can be used to terminate an early pregnancy. Some have attempted to popularize the notion of “abortion reversal,” stating that an injection of progesterone after taking the first pill can reverse the process. However, neither medical nor surgical abortion can be reversed. Trying to convince people of this myth is just a tactic used by those opposed to abortion in an attempt to popularize the idea that people regret terminating their pregnancies. In fact, most people do not feel regret after having an abortion.

Myth #5: Most people regret their abortions.

Research has shown that most people who terminate their pregnancies are confident and sure of their decision. One study showed that 95% of people who had an abortion were sure that they had made the best choice both a week after the procedure and three years later. Relief is the most commonly-reported feeling after a pregnancy termination.

Women Help Women believes that all people should have access to medically and scientifically accurate information surrounding all aspects of abortion and contraception and believes women should have agency over their own reproductive choices. Our organization provides accurate information about what exactly a medical abortion with pills is, the pills’ effectiveness, how to use the pills, and what to expect after using abortion pills. If you are pregnant and do not want to be, get in touch with us online at www.womenhelp.org or by email at info@womenhelp.org.