The Facts About Abortion
Every abortion falls into one of two categories: a two-drug process taken early, or a procedure performed in a clinical or hospital setting. How far along you are determines which options are even on the table, making knowing your gestational age the starting point.
Here’s something else worth knowing. As many as 10–20% of known pregnancies stop growing on their own, without any intervention. This is called a miscarriage. An ultrasound tells you whether the pregnancy is in the uterus and developing, so you’re making your decisions based on facts instead of guesses.
Two Types of Abortion Procedures
The abortion pill involves two drugs, taken in order. Mifepristone starts the process and blocks progesterone, an essential hormone that sustains the pregnancy. Misoprostol follows within about 24-48 hours and causes the uterus to contract, triggering abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding until it empties. Cramping and bleeding are to be expected as part of the process.
The FDA approves this two-drug method up to 10 weeks, or 70 days, into pregnancy.
Surgical abortion is an abortion that happens in a clinic or hospital. An abortion provider first dilates the uterus using drugs or medical instruments. Then, the provider uses a combination of suction and scraping to manually empty the uterus. This type of abortion typically happens later in pregnancy when the abortion pill is no longer approved for use.
Understand the Risks
No procedure is risk-free, and it’s critical to know what’s possible.
Abortion Pill Risks
With the abortion pill, that can mean heavy bleeding, infection, or an incomplete abortion, where tissue is left behind and a second procedure sometimes becomes necessary. Additionally, the abortion pill can fail, or cause digestive system discomfort and fever.
Surgical Abortion Risks
A surgical abortion can cause perforation of the uterus, damage to the cervix, scar tissue on the uterine wall, and infection.
Abortion Laws in Georgia
Georgia restricts most abortions once fetal cardiac activity is detectable, which is usually around six weeks. A few narrow exceptions apply, including a medical emergency, a diagnosis incompatible with life, and rape or incest when a police report has been filed.
The Georgia Department of Public Health publishes the state’s officiaL abortion details.
Laws shift over time, so confirm the current rules before making any decision.
Abortion Pill Reversal
Second thoughts after starting the abortion pill happen more than you’d think. If you’ve taken the abortion pill, there may still be a way to continue your pregnancy.
Abortion pill reversal works by giving you extra progesterone, the very hormone that mifepristone blocks, to try to sustain the pregnancy. Speed is everything. The best window is within 24 hours of taking the abortion pill but reach out even if it’s been longer.
Start with the Abortion Pill Rescue Network, a free, confidential line answered around the clock at 1-877-558-0333. A medical professional will walk you through the process. Acting quickly gives the best chance of success. You can also reach us at (706) 322-5024.
We’re here to help.
Talk through all your options, at no cost and in full confidence. Sit down with our medical staff, get a free limited ultrasound, and take the time you need to decide.
Disclaimer: Sound Choices does not offer, recommend, or refer for abortions. We are committed to providing accurate information about abortion procedures and risks so you can make an informed decision.
