Does abortion cause cancer? Separating fact from fiction

Let’s clear this up right away: abortion does not cause cancer. The truth is, abortion—including medication abortion—is safe. Abortion pills (mifepristone and misoprostol) are FDA-approved and held to the same safety standards as any other prescription medications.

If you’ve heard otherwise, you’re not alone. The myth that abortion causes cancer has been around for decades, fueled by fear and misinformation, not science. A few flawed studies in the 1990s suggested a link between abortion and breast cancer, but were quickly debunked. But the damage was already done, and the myth has stuck around ever since. In this article, we’ll explain where this myth came from, why it’s wrong, and what the research says.

If you’re looking for safe abortion care, Hey Jane offers virtual consultations with licensed clinicians and FDA-approved abortion pills by mail. You can message your care team throughout treatment, and have access to a 24/7 urgent phone line so you’re never alone. See if you're eligible here..

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What the research really says about abortion and cancer risk

Large, well-designed studies have shown again and again that abortion does not increase your risk of cancer—including breast, ovarian, uterine, or cervical cancer.

Here’s what the science says:

So, what does increase cancer risk? It’s more often tied to:

• Genetics and family history
• Lifestyle choices (like smoking and eating habits)
• Environmental factors, such as long-term exposure to UV radiation and the sun, asbestos, and certain chemicals.

Abortion just isn’t part of that equation.

Do abortion pills affect hormones?

Yes, but only temporarily. Medication abortion works by taking two pills: 

• Mifepristone: Blocks the hormone progesterone to stop the pregnancy from growing
• Misoprostol: Causes the uterus to contract and pass the pregnancy

This sudden drop in progesterone may cause:

• Cramping and bleeding as the uterus contracts to expel the pregnancy tissue (triggered by misoprostol)
• Mood changes due to shifting hormone levels
• Breast tenderness or swelling occurs as your body adjusts to the drop in pregnancy hormones
• Nausea or tiredness as your body processes the hormonal shift
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These effects are temporary and usually get better after the treatment is over. This could be a few days or weeks as your hormone levels return to normal, but should get less intense with each day.

If you’ve used hormonal birth control before, this hormonal change is very similar and just as safe. Abortion pills are well-studied, approved by the FDA, and trusted by major medical organizations, like ACOG.

Long-term health effects of medication abortion

If you’re worried about how abortion might affect your future health, take a deep breath—the research is clear:

• ❌ It doesn’t affect your fertility‍
• ❌ It doesn’t increase your risk of cancer
• ❌ It doesn’t cause long-term health problems
• ❌ It’s safe—even if you’ve had more than one abortion

Medication abortion is one of the safest medical treatments out there. In fact, abortion pills are:

• 4 times safer than aspirin
• 14 times safer than continuing a pregnancy
• Safer than common medicines Viagra (sildenafil)

Why misinformation about abortion safety is dangerous

The idea that abortion causes cancer didn’t spread by accident—it is often driven by political or ideological agendas to scare people away from getting abortion care. These kinds of false claims aren’t just annoying—they’re dangerous. They make it harder for people to find reliable information and make informed decisions about their health.

That’s why it’s so important to trust evidence-based sources like:

• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
• The World Health Organization (WHO)
• The National Cancer Institute (NCI)

These medical experts agree: abortion pills and procedures are safe, and they do not cause cancer.

If you’re ever unsure where to turn, Hey Jane is here with expert-backed, compassionate guidance—no judgment, just facts. Our content is full of guidance backed by licensed providers on our team who have spent decades providing reproductive and sexual health care.