Abortion

Abortion is a serious medical decision. Maybe you never imagined you would be facing a decision like this. All the complicated emotions you’re feeling right now are valid. Educating yourself and having all your questions answered is an important step.

Knowledge is empowering and allows you to make an informed decision about your unplanned pregnancy confidently.

The following information will be helpful if you’re considering abortion.

THE TWO TYPES OF ABORTION

There are two types of abortion procedures: medical/chemincal abortion and surgical abortion. The type of procedure women undergo depends on how far along they are in their pregnancy, health status, and ability to access emergency/follow-up care.

1. MEDICAL.chemical ABORTION (THE ABORTION PILL)

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved medical/chemical abortion through 70 days (10 weeks) of pregnancy. 

A medical/chemical abortion procedure uses two drugs to terminate a pregnancy: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone is taken first and ends the pregnancy by blocking the hormone progesterone. This causes the fetal heart to stop and the pregnancy to detach from the uterine lining. 

Up to 48 hours later, misoprostol is taken, which causes strong uterine cramping to expel the embryo/fetus and pregnancy tissue. What can you expect after taking misoprostol? According to the Cleveland Clinic, the side effects of a medical/chemical abortion are:

• Vaginal bleeding 
• Intense cramping 
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Headache

Like all medical procedures, medical/chemical abortion does have risks. The Cleveland Clinic also reports the following risks of medical/chemical abortion:

• Incomplete abortion 
• Heavy bleeding that will not stop
• Infection
• Fever
• Diarrhea and digestive pain
• Allergic reaction to the abortion medications
  

2. SURGICAL ABORTION

The second type of abortion procedure is a surgical abortion. If you are too far along in your pregnancy for a medical/chemical abortion or if you don’t qualify for another reason, a surgical abortion might be an option. Surgical abortions are performed in an abortion clinic or hospital.

During the procedure, the abortion provider uses rods to dilate the cervix before suctioning the embryo or fetus from the uterus. Other surgical tools like curettes and forceps may also be used. 

The most common side effects of a surgical abortion include:

• Bleeding and passing blood clots
• Intense cramping
• Nausea and vomiting
• Feeling faint/sweating

Complications of a surgical abortion include:

• Severe infection, 
• Damage to the cervix or uterus 
• Excessive bleeding

BEFORE YOUR ABORTION

Before you make a decision about your pregnancy, we recommend scheduling a pregnancy screening and ultrasound appointment for your health and safety.

What Is Pregnancy Screening?

A pregnancy screening appointment is critical because it reduces risk to your health and equips you with information unique to you and your pregnancy so you can make a fully informed decision.

A pregnancy screening appointment includes time with our licensed medical staff, a medical-grade pregnancy test, a limited obstetrical ultrasound, and STI/STD testing. The four essential purposes for this appointment are:

1. Confirming that you have a viable pregnancy.
2. Determining gestational age and available options.
3. Testing to be sure you don’t have an STI (sexually transmitted infection).
4. Supporting you and answering all of your questions.

To protect your emotional, psychological, and physical health, before proceeding with an abortion it is important to have all the information mentioned above.

GET CONFIDENTIAL SUPPORT AT NO COST TO YOU

We understand you’re facing a difficult decision.

You are not alone in your pregnancy. Our caring medical professionals are here to support you by offering the clarity you need to move forward.

Make your confidential, no-cost appointment today. 

Hope, Support, and Resources for Your Unexpected Pregnancy.

Find Answers Today

You are not alone in your pregnancy. Get accurate information and support from our medical professionals today. Our services offer the clarity you need to move forward.