Because the abortionist operates only by sense of feel, the cutting and suction device is potentially threatening to the mother. Perforation of the uterus is one of the most common complications and deaths of women have resulted from hemorrhaging when the uterine artery is severed and an emergency hysterectomy isn't done soon enough to save the woman's life. In some cases, the powerful vacuum, misdirected by the abortionist has damaged other internal organs or sucked out parts of the intestines. Also common is the failure to remove the entire fetus. Limbs or skulls or parts of the placenta may be left inside the womb, causing severe infection, cramping and excessive bleeding.
Treatment requires another dilation and curettage followed by antibiotics.
Severe infection also can require hysterectomy to remove the diseased uterus. No More, Loyola Univ. As with all types of abortion, suction curettage results in high occurrence of embolisms. Embolisms are blockages of blood vessels. Many go unnoticed and are naturally dissolved, but when they occur in the brain or heart, they may cause strokes or heart attacks.