Abortion

What to Know About Abortion

There are many things to know about abortion that could determine your next steps in your pregnancy journey. It’s a major decision to make so it’s essential to understand how abortion works, along with the risks. Be sure to confirm your pregnancy with us today to get the clarity you need.

1. Types of Abortion

There are two main types of abortion: medical and surgical abortion. Each are serious procedures that should be thoroughly discussed with a trusted medical provider or pregnancy center to ensure you protect your health.

• Medical Abortion

A medical abortion ends a pregnancy using two types of drugs. This method is also called a chemical abortion, and the medication used is also known as the abortion pill.

The first drug, Mifepristone, works to block an essential-to-pregnancy hormone called Progesterone and causes the uterine walls to thin and detach the embryo.

The second drug, Misoprostol, is taken next and causes the body to experience contractions. These contractions push pregnancy tissue and the embryo out of the body.

• Surgical Abortion

There are two types of surgical abortion to know about. Dilation and curettage (D&C) is typically completed in the first trimester of pregnancy. Small tools or medication are used to open the cervix and surgical instruments used to remove the pregnancy. 

Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) is normally completed during the second trimester of pregnancy. With D&C techniques, surgical instruments and a vacuum are used to remove the embryo and pregnancy tissue.

2. The Risks

Potential risks of medical abortion include:

• Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
• An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort

Depending on the type of surgical abortion used, risks may vary. Some of these potential risks include:

• Infection/fever
• Uterine perforation
• Cervical injury
• Development of scar tissue
• Uterine rupture
• Uterus not contracting

Women should feel comfortable speaking with a medical professional about all these risks, complications, and more. Safety matters when it comes to your health.

No-cost Pregnancy Confirmation

Before moving forward with an abortion decision, confirm your eligibility with no-cost pregnancy testing and ultrasound at our clinic. An ultrasound will determine if your pregnancy is viable, how far along you are, and the location of your pregnancy. These key details will determine what type of abortion you may be eligible for.

As part of our no-cost pregnancy services, we offer a safe and non-judgemental place for our patients to come and talk over all their pregnancy options. We can educate you more about abortion and help answer any questions or concerns.

Schedule a no-cost appointment today. We are here to serve you.