Abortion
Get the Facts to Make an Informed Choice.
Abortion is a major, life-changing decision. It terminates a viable pregnancy. Before making this choice, you deserve to be fully informed so that you can decide what is best for you and your life. There are two types of abortion: medical abortion, otherwise known as the abortion pill, and surgical abortion.
The Abortion Pill
The abortion pill involves taking two drugs over a 24 to 48-hour period. According to the Mayo Clinic, the risks of the abortion pill include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
The abortion pill drugs cause vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. Other side effects of the medication may include: nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, diarrhea, and headache.
Mifepristone
The first of the two drugs, mifepristone works by blocking progesterone. Progesterone is a necessary hormone to sustain the pregnancy, without it the pregnancy will end.
Misoprostol
The second of the two drugs, misoprostol causes uterine contractions and expels both the embryo and pregnancy tissue through the vagina with cramping and bleeding.
Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy. It is typically performed in a hospital or clinic setting and is more invasive than the abortion pill. Two common types of surgical abortion procedures include dilation and curettage (D&C) and dilation and evacuation (D&E).
The potential risks of a surgical abortion include:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
D&C Abortion
During a dilation and curettage procedure, the provider uses small medical instruments or medication to dilate the cervix. They then use a gentle suctioning technique or an instrument called a curette to remove the uterine tissue.
D&E Abortion
A dilation and evacuation procedure is usually performed during the second trimester of a woman’s pregnancy. It is similar to a D&C abortion, but sometimes requires larger tools like forceps.
Protect Your Health and Safety
Before any abortion procedure, protect health and safety with an ultrasound scan, and speaking to a nurse about your health history. Schedule a free and confidential appointment at our center.
Pre-Abortion Screening
After finding out that you are pregnant, you may be considering an abortion. Regardless of whether you are wanting a medical or surgical abortion
Pregnancy Testing
Wondering if you might be pregnant? The first step to understanding your pregnancy options is by confirming your pregnancy with a lab-quality pregnancy test.
Ultrasounds
Ultrasound scans identify critical health details about your pregnancy so you can protect your health and know your options.
Pre-Abortion Screening
After finding out that you are pregnant, you may be considering an abortion. Regardless of whether you are wanting a medical or surgical abortion
Pregnancy Testing
Wondering if you might be pregnant? The first step to understanding your pregnancy options is by confirming your pregnancy with a lab-quality pregnancy test.
Ultrasounds
Ultrasound scans identify critical health details about your pregnancy so you can protect your health and know your options.
