MEDICATION ABORTION

You may have heard of the abortion pill. The abortion pill is one drug used in a two-pill process called medication abortion. With Mifepristone and Misoprostol, medication abortion works to end an existing pregnancy. Only women ten weeks pregnant and under are eligible for this type of abortion.

 

The first drug, Mifepristone, blocks the womb from absorbing progesterone, causing the lining of the uterus to thin and preventing the embryo from implanting and growing. Then, Misoprostol is taken and causes the uterus to contract and release the pregnancy through the vagina.

 

POTENTIAL RISKS OF MEDICATION ABORTION:
 

– Incomplete abortion (it may need to be followed by surgical abortion)

– Heavy and prolonged bleeding

– Digestive system discomfort

– An ongoing unwanted pregnancy (if the procedure doesn’t work)

– Infection

– Fever

 

SURGICAL ABORTION

There are two major surgical abortion procedures: a D&E (Dilation and Evacuation) abortion and aspiration abortion.

 

A D&E (Dilation and Evacuation) abortion is only for women over 12 weeks pregnant. Anesthesia is first given during this procedure, and the cervix is dilated. Surgical instruments are used to clear the contents of the uterus, and a curette is used to remove the remaining parts of the pregnancy.

 

With aspiration abortion, the cervix is first numbed and then different surgical instruments are used to clear the contents of the uterus. Aspiration (vacuum) is done for women around 12-13 weeks pregnant. It’s quite an invasive process.

 

POTENTIAL RISKS OF SURGICAL ABORTION:

Incomplete abortion

Heavy or prolonged bleeding

Damage to the womb

Injury to the cervix

Infection

​

EMOTIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Abortion is an emotional and complex experience for many individuals. It's essential to consider your emotional well-being and seek support. Follow-up care is crucial after an abortion. You need to understand what is involved in post-abortion care BEFORE you decide to end your pregnancy.  
 

WHAT’S NEXT?

Before proceeding with abortion, you will need lab-quality pregnancy testing and an ultrasound to verify your pregnancy’s viability and how far along you are. Our team can help you with these tests. 

 

After these are completed and you still need your abortion questions answered, we are here to talk. We can help you navigate your questions and educate you on all your options.