Abortion

Abortion—it’s one of your three pregnancy options. If you’re considering abortion, protect your health by learning all the facts and risks involved. Get the information and space you need to feel unhurried to make the best decision for you.

Two Types of Abortion

1. Medical Abortion (The Abortion Pill)

Known as the abortion pill, medical abortion is an abortion procedure with sometimes serious health risks. There are two drugs used in the medical abortion process: mifepristone and misoprostol. 

Mifepristone is first taken at a doctor’s office or abortion clinic. Mifepristone works to block the progesterone hormone produced in a woman’s body during pregnancy, which prevents the embryo from implanting or growing.

Misoprostol is taken around 24 hours later, normally at home. This second drug causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through the vagina.

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

• Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
• Digestive system discomfort
• An ongoing unwanted pregnancy
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever

2. Surgical Abortion

There is more than one type of surgical abortion. The surgical procedure performed is based on how far along you are in pregnancy.

Vacuum Aspiration Abortion

Most times, a vacuum aspiration abortion is performed for women in their first trimester (12 weeks pregnant or less). This uses suction to remove the contents from the uterus, ending the pregnancy.

Dilation & Curettage (D&C)

During a D&C abortion, the cervix is dilated and a sharp instrument or suction device, called a curette, is used to remove the pregnancy tissue. 

Kaiser Permanente shares possible risks, including:

• Injury to the uterine lining or cervix
• A hole in the wall of the uterus (uterine perforation)
• Infection. Bacteria can enter the uterus during the procedure and cause an infection
• Moderate to severe bleeding (hemorrhage)
• Other rare complications include:
  • Tissue remaining in the uterus from conception
  • Blood clots

Do You Qualify?

It’s vital to know more about your pregnancy before making an abortion decision. You will want to confirm your pregnancy details with pregnancy testing and an ultrasound. This will determine what pregnancy options are available to you.

An ultrasound will also reveal if you have a viable, healthy pregnancy. When considering an abortion procedure, be sure to first consult with a medical provider or pregnancy resource center. 

Request a free and confidential appointment at Sound Choices Pregnancy Clinic to learn more about all your pregnancy options, the risks, and to confirm your pregnancy details.