Is Abortion the Option for You?

Making an abortion decision is a major one, so it’s essential to be better informed about the process and the risks. We can only imagine how stressful and at times confusing an unexpected pregnancy can be. Know that you are not in this journey alone.

If you are considering abortion, here is more information about the two main types – each with there own risks. There are different points in pregnancy that require either medication or surgical abortion. Pregnancy confirmation is necessary to determine what type of abortion you may be eligible for and confirm your pregnancy’s health before making a decision.

What is Abortion?

Abortion is a medical procedure that terminates an existing pregnancy. There are two main types of abortion, medical and surgical. 

Medical Abortion (The Abortion Pill) 

Also referred to as “the abortion pill,” medical abortion terminates a pregnancy using two different drugs: Mifepristone and Misoprostol.

The first drug, Mifepristone blocks the womb from absorbing progesterone, a hormone needed for pregnancy progression. The second drug, Misoprostol is taken and makes the uterus contract and expel the pregnancy through the vagina. 

The FDA only recommends medical abortion within the first 70 days of pregnancy. Otherwise, a surgical abortion is recommended. 

Risks of Medical Abortion

According to Mayo Clinic, the potential risks of medical abortion include:

  • Incomplete abortion (which may need to be followed by surgical abortion)
  • An ongoing pregnancy (if the procedure fails)
  • Heavy and prolonged bleeding
  • Digestive system discomfort
  • Infection
  • Fever

Surgical Abortion

There are multiple types of surgical abortion procedures done depending on gestational age. There is Dilation & Evacuation (D&E) and Dilation & Curettage (D&C). Each surgical procedure works to dilate the cervix and uses vacuum aspiration and surgical tools to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. 

Risks of Surgical Abortion

Since each surgical abortion uses similar processes of termination, they come with similar risks, including:

  • Perforation of the uterus 
  • Damage to the cervix
  • Scar tissue on the uterine wall
  • Infection
  • Excessive bleeding 

Making Your Decision

Before making a final decision about abortion, it’s vital to determine your pregnancy details with lab-quality pregnancy testing and an ultrasound appointment. We can help you get the clarity you need with these free and confidential pregnancy confirmation services.

Schedule a free appointment today to learn more about your pregnancy and your options.