Thinking About Abortion?
Abortion is a major decision and it’s essential to understand how it works and the risks. If you are considering this option, you may still have questions.
First, you will need to determine how far along you are to know what type of abortion may be available to you. Schedule a no-cost and confidential pregnancy confirmation appointment with us to know what’s next.
Types of Abortion
1. Medical Abortion
Medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill, is an abortion procedure for women up to 70 days of gestation, according to the FDA. This procedure works to terminate a pregnancy using two different drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone is first taken in the process, which blocks the womb from absorbing progesterone – the pregnancy hormone. This drug then causes the thinning of the uterus lining and stops the embryo from growing. Next, misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later, causing the uterus to contract and remove the pregnancy.
Common risks that come with a medical abortion procedure, include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Digestive system discomfort
- Infection
- Fever
2. Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion is normally done if you are over 10 weeks pregnant. It’s a much more invasive procedure than a medical abortion. Anesthesia is given in the beginning of the procedure and a medical professional use surgical instruments to remove the contents of the pregnancy.
The uterus is dilated in this surgical procedure and a suction tube is used to remove the pregnancy. Common risks of surgical abortion include:
- Damage to the womb or cervix
- Uterine perforation
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes
- Scarring of the inside of the uterus
- Reaction to the medicines or anesthesia, such as problems breathing
- Not removing all of the tissue, requiring another procedure
Am I Eligible for Abortion?
To learn what type of abortion you’re eligible for, if any, you will need to confirm your pregnancy details. Along with a positive pregnancy test, an ultrasound is necessary to understand how far along you are, if you have a viable and growing fetus, and the location of the fetus.
Talk to us today to get an ultrasound referral once your pregnancy test is confirmed positive at our center. Ultrasounds will also alert you to any complications, which could rule out the option of abortion.
Talk to our compassionate and non-judgmental team today to learn more about abortion and the risks. We are here to better inform you so you can make a decision.