At Pregnancy Help Center of Chesterfield, we know how difficult the news of an unplanned pregnancy can be. The best way to handle any major decision is to become informed with accurate information and options.
What Are the Risks of Abortion?
First, you should know that there are two types of abortion procedures: medical and surgical. Here is more information about each abortion procedure, as well as the risks:
What Are the Different Types of Abortions?
Medical and surgical abortions can have serious side effects. These should be made known to you before you decide if abortion is the right decision for you.
- Medical Abortion removes the pregnancy tissue through a medication regimen.
- Surgical Abortion removes the pregnancy tissue through an invasive procedure that utilizes instruments such as vacuum and suctioning techniques.
Medical Abortion
The Mayo Clinic shares potential risks of medical abortion, including:
- Incomplete abortion
- Extreme bleeding
- Infection of tissues
- Fever
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Anaphylactic reactions associated with medications used
Surgical Abortion
Mayo Clinic lists the following as potential risks of surgical abortion:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Heavy bleeding
- Cramping
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
What are my legal rights?
When faced with an unplanned pregnancy, your three legal options are abortion, adoption, and parenting. No one can force you into having an abortion. You and only you can sign the consent form at the abortion clinic, and you can change your mind even when you are on the table.
You have the right to make sure your abortion is performed by a licensed physician, who is insured and has medical privileges at a hospital in case any complications arise.
What if I change my mind?
According to the American Pregnancy Association, if you take Mifepristone (the first pill of the regimen), and you have second thoughts, you can request the abortion pill reversal procedure, a large influx of Progesterone that counteracts the Mifepristone.
It must be started (within 72 hours) and before the second set of pills (Misoprostol) is taken to complete the abortion process. If you want to reverse your medically induced abortion, go to abortionpillreversal.com or call 877-558-0333.
What about The Morning After Pill?
The Morning After Pill, or Plan B, is considered emergency contraception and not 100% effective at preventing pregnancy. According to virginiapregnancy.org, “The Morning After Pill contains a high dose of progesterone.
If used in the first 72 hours after unprotected sex, it may prevent ovulation, affect the lining of the fallopian tubes preventing the sperm to reach the egg, and irritate the lining of the uterus. This could make it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant, causing a very early abortion.