Abortion is a very personal and difficult decision women may find themselves facing. It’s important to understand the risks, complications, and options available to make an informed decision. The two types of abortion procedures are:

• Medical/Abortion Pill
• Surgical

Speaking with a trusted physician or pregnancy center is important to understand if abortion is right for you and the impact it could have on your health and wellness.

What’s the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill takes place using two drugs called mifepristone and misoprostol. 

Mifepristone works to block progesterone which is essential to the viability of a pregnancy. When this occurs, the uterine walls begin to shed, and this causes the embryo to become detached.

Then, Misoprostol is taken and causes contractions to begin. These contractions aid the body in pushing the detached embryo and pregnancy tissue out of the body through the vagina.

According to the Mayo Clinic, not everyone’s health qualifies for the abortion pill. Speaking with a professional, receiving a pregnancy test and ultrasound, and understanding the risks are important for your health and safety.

Some risks are:

• 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

What’s a Surgical Abortion?

Surgical abortion occurs when a woman undergoes an operation to end a pregnancy. There are two types of surgical procedures:

• Dilation and curettage (D&C):  This procedure uses small surgical instruments or medication to open the cervix. Then, a curette, which can be a sharp instrument or suction device, is used to end and remove the pregnancy.
• Dilation and Evacuation (D&E): usually includes a combination of vacuum aspiration, dilation and curettage, and the use of surgical instruments to terminate and remove the pregnancy.

Factors such as gestational age and other pregnancy or health considerations may be used to determine what type of abortion procedure is used.

Risks to discuss which are associated with this procedure are:

• Uterine perforation
• Cervical injury
• Infection/fever
• Excessive bleeding

Where Can I Go?

If you are considering an abortion and unsure what to expect or your options, we are here to help. Contact us today to understand all your choices and how abortion could impact you, your health, and your wellness.

You deserve to have all the answers before making your decision. We’re here to listen, provide answers, and support you no matter what. 

We also offer free, confidential appointments with no-cost pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and information on all options to better serve you. We look forward to meeting you!