Are You Considering Abortion?
What to do about your unexpected pregnancy is a big decision, and so is having an abortion. Before choosing this option, learn about the various procedures, the possible side effects, and the potential risks. You need to protect your health and safety, including your emotional health, so get as much information as possible beforehand.
The Different Types of Abortion
There are two types of abortion: medical and surgical. How far along you are in your pregnancy usually determines which type you would have.
Medical (also known as the abortion pill)
Abortion providers call an abortion medical when you take drugs to end your pregnancy. The abortion pill method uses two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. The FDA highly regulates the first drug, mifepristone. They’ve approved its use through 10 weeks of pregnancy only.
Mifepristone blocks progesterone from reaching the pregnancy. Without progesterone, a pregnancy cannot continue. Misoprostol, the second drug, causes uterine contractions and bleeding to remove the pregnancy tissue from your body.
Side Effects & Risks
According to the Mayo Clinic, these are some of the side effects and risks you might experience:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills
- Diarrhea
- An incomplete abortion
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
Surgical
Abortion providers perform surgical procedures in hospitals or clinics. Often, the procedure requires dilating (opening) your cervix (which leads to your uterus) and local or general anesthesia.
Depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy, a provider can use a vacuum or suction, a scraping tool used on the inside of the uterus, and possibly forceps to remove larger parts.
Side Effects & Risks
According to the Cleveland Clinic, these are some of the side effects and risks you might experience:
- Bleeding
- Cramping
- Uterine perforation (when a hole is poked through your uterus)
- Infection
- Scar tissue
There is more to know about the above procedures, including more restrictions for using the abortion pill method. Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we will provide factual information. Make a free appointment to talk with a peer counselor about your situation and your options, including abortion.