There are two types of abortion, medication and surgical. How far along you are in your pregnancy determines which method the abortion provider uses.
Medication Abortion
You are eligible for a medication abortion if you have been pregnant for 70 days or less. The closer you are to 70 days, the greater the possibility of an incomplete abortion.
The abortion pill is a medication method using two drugs to terminate a pregnancy over a 24 to 48-hour period. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks the uterus from absorbing a hormone called progesterone. Pregnancies need progesterone to keep developing.
The second drug, misoprostol, causes bleeding and contractions to expel the pregnancy from your body.
Risks Of Medication Abortion
According to the Mayo Clinic, side effects and risks of a medication abortion include:
- Incomplete abortion
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Digestive system discomfort
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion removes the fetus and placenta with suction and various medical instruments. Sometimes, small rods or sticks of seaweed help dilate (open) the cervix (the entrance to the uterus) for the pregnancy to pass through.
Pregnancies, in later stages, can require scraping instruments and even extraction forceps to remove more significant parts.
Risk Of Surgical Abortion
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
Before Your Abortion
Before scheduling your abortion, learn about the different procedures, side effects, and risks. Take a closer look at the Abortion Information we provide.
You need to verify your pregnancy with no-cost pregnancy testing and an ultrasound exam. An ultrasound tells you if your pregnancy is viable (growing) or you’ve had a miscarriage.
Researchers say up to 20% of known pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. The number could be higher because many women miscarry before realizing they’re pregnant. If you’ve miscarried, there’s no reason to schedule an abortion.
Make a no-cost appointment today to discuss abortion in more detail.
