Doctor busts common abortion myths as Lily Allen admits she ‘can’t remember’ how many she’s had

Lily Allen recently sparked a big conversation with listeners when she confessed on a podcast that she 'can't remember' how many abortions she's had in her lifetime.

The Smile singer was talking about her experience with Miss Me? podcast co-host Miquita Oliver, when she said: "Abortions, I've had a few. But then again, I can't remember exactly how many... I think maybe like, I want to say four or five."

Miquita replied saying she's also had 'about five' in her life.

Lily, who recently split from David Harbour, recalled: "I remember once getting pregnant and the man paying for my abortion, and me thinking it was so romantic."

She said she now no longer thinks that, and says the fact many people feel the need for there to be an 'extreme' reason to justify it frustrates her.

Lily has sparked a conversation about the number of abortions she's had (Dave Benett/Getty Images)

"It actually irritates me, and I’ve said it before on the record. I’ve seen memes going around sometimes on Instagram from pro-abortion accounts or whatever - whenever this conversation comes up - and suddenly, you start seeing people posting things about extraordinary reasons for having an abortion.

"Like: ‘My aunt had a kid that had this disability,’ or whatever, ‘if she went full term it was going to kill her, so we have to.’ It’s like, shut up!"

Lily added: "Just: ‘I don’t want a f***ing baby right now.’ Literally: ‘Don’t want a baby’ is enough reason."

What are the risks of having multiple abortions, and is it any more dangerous to have them repeatedly?

Women's Health and Intimate Health Expert Dr Shirin Lakhani said: "Generally speaking, it is unlikely to suffer from any long-term side effects of multiple abortions."

"However, abortions can cause complications that could lead to further long-term effects down the road," she advised.

The doctor says the risks involved also depend on the type of procedure which is done, with many people thinking one is better than the other.

"If it is a surgical abortion, as with any operation, you could face the chance of infection, including sepsis, as well as complications during the procedure that could cause damage to the womb.

There are different risks with medical abortions, where medication is taken to end the pregnancy.

"With medical abortion, there is also the chance that part of the pregnancy may remain and you may need surgery to remove it, which then can pose the same risks as any operation, such as infection.

A doctor has dispelled many of the myths surrounding terminating a pregnancy (Getty Stock Image)

"However, both medical and surgical abortions are generally very safe and shouldn’t cause long-term damage or effects," reassured Dr Lakhani.

"If you are experiencing short-term side effects of an abortion, please contact the abortion clinic you received treatment in and talk to the team. Alternatively, you could contact your nearest sexual health team or GP if you are experiencing any symptoms that you think could be linked with previous abortions.

The subject of terminating a pregnancy is always an emotional one, with strong opinions on every side.

The doctor says it is not unusual for women to suffer with the mental impact in the days and weeks after a procedure.

"Although the procedure tends to cause mostly short-term side effects, the mental impact of an abortion should be taken into account."

"The team at the abortion clinic should go through all your options beforehand and talk to you about the emotional and psychological effects it may have."

"If you are experiencing any psychological challenges from your abortion, please contact your GP so they can arrange for you to speak to someone."