You’re pregnant - and feel like your world is over. Get clarity about pregnancy options, including abortion, before you make your final decision. What are the risks? Are you eligible? Is this the right option for you? Maybe you have tons of questions like these running through your mind. We’re here to help inform you about abortion - and make you aware of the different types of abortion.
The Two Different Types of Abortion
There are two main types of abortion: surgical and medication abortion. Both work towards terminating an existing pregnancy, at different stages of the pregnancy. Medication abortion is only for women 10 weeks pregnant or earlier. Otherwise, surgical abortion is your other option.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is the most invasive type of abortion, done for women over 10 weeks pregnant. This procedure works to remove the fetus and placenta from the mother's womb (uterus).
During a surgical abortion, a doctor dilates the opening to the cervix and puts a suction tube into the uterus. This suction removes the fetus and all parts of the pregnancy from the uterus through the vagina. Anesthesia is also used before the procedure, to reduce pain. Later pregnancies usually require scraping the inside of the uterus or possibly forceps to remove the pregnancy tissue.
Medication Abortion
Medication abortion consists of taking two different drugs to terminate a pregnancy. The first pill, Mifepristone, blocks the progesterone hormone and causes the lining of the uterus to thin. This prevents the embryo from implanting or growing.
The second pill, Misoprostol, is taken 24-48 hours later. This drug causes the uterus to contract and release the pregnancy through the vagina.
What are the Risks of Abortion?
With every type of abortion procedure comes different risks. For surgical abortion, the potential risks include...
Damage to the womb or cervix
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
Uterine perforation (accidentally putting a hole in the uterus with one of the instruments used)
Excessive bleeding
Medical abortion, though less invasive, comes with many risks. These potential risks include…
Infection
Fever
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
Digestive system discomfort
Do I Qualify for Abortion?
To know if you qualify for abortion, you first need to know how far along you are and confirm that you have a viable pregnancy (healthy with a heartbeat). A lab-quality
pregnancy test and ultrasound are your first steps to moving forward.
Schedule a free and confidential appointment today to confirm your pregnancy and learn your pregnancy options. We offer free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds. We’re here for you.