Pregnancy, Abortion, and Breast Health

It has long been disputed among medical researchers that induced abortion (IA) puts women at a higher risk for breast cancer. A recent analysis revealed a 44% increased risk of breast cancer among females who had at least one induced abortion. The risk increased significantly for those who had 2 or more abortions.¹ According to the American College of Pediatricians, this argument is supported by an increasing number of studies which show, “induced abortion (IA) to be linked to this rise. A plausible mechanism for that link is the interference by IA with normal breast cell maturation into cancer resistant cells.”²

Put simply, the ductwork (or lobules) within a woman’s breasts develops in stages. The early stage of this ductwork consists of Type 1 and Type 2 lobules. These immature lobules are known to be more susceptible to cancer.

During pregnancy, estrogen encourages the body to increase the number of Type 1 and Type 2 lobules. This rapid growth often causes breasts to feel sore or tender in early pregnancy. By week 32, the majority of those Type 1 and Type 2 lobules mature into Type 4 milk-producing lobules, which are significantly more cancer-resistant. However, interrupting pregnancy before 32 weeks, while Type 1 and Type 2 lobules are at an increased number but before they can mature into Type 4 lobules, puts a woman at increased risk for breast cancer.³

75% of a woman’s pre-pregnancy lobules are Type 1, where 80% of all breast cancers are formed. “Immature breast cells are particularly vulnerable to damage by carcinogens … from puberty to a woman’s first full term pregnancy.”⁴