Abortion

If you’re considering abortion as a choice, you’ll want fast and accurate information to help you decide. Before you decide, you may still have more questions about the different types of abortion procedures. Here is more abortion information to help answer your questions about abortion.

Types of Abortion

1. Medical Abortion (The Abortion Pill)

There are two drugs used in the medical abortion process (the abortion pill): Mifepristone and Misoprostol.

Mifepristone

This first drug is normally taken at a doctor’s office or abortion clinic. Mifepristone works to block the progesterone hormone produced in a woman’s body during pregnancy. Blocking this hormone prevents the embryo from growing.

Misoprostol

Misoprostol is the second drug taken during the medical abortion process and is normally taken at home. This drug causes the uterus to contract and release the embryo through the vagina.

The Risks

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

• Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
• An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort

2. Surgical Abortion

A surgical abortion is a lot more invasive than a medical abortion and uses surgical instruments to remove the pregnancy. Vacuum Aspiration or a D&E (Dilation and Evacuation) are the different types of in-clinic abortions.

The Risks

How far along you are in your pregnancy will determine what type of surgical abortion is done. Common surgical abortion risks include:

• Damage to the womb or cervix
• Uterine perforation
• Excessive bleeding
• Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes
• Scarring of the inside of the uterus
• Reaction to the medicines or anesthesia, such as problems breathing
• Not removing all of the tissue, requiring another procedure

Learn All The Facts

Before you make a life-changing decision, we recommend taking a couple of pregnancy confirmation steps to protect your health.

Remember, learning the facts and risks associated with abortion is your right as a patient. The more you know, the more you will be able to take your next steps with confidence.

We’re here to review all your questions and to offer you a confidential, no-cost, second-visit ultrasound to help you with your decision. Our support doesn’t end there. We’re here for you, no matter what!