If you’re thinking about finding an abortion clinic, it is essential to remember that abortion is a medical procedure. What type will you have? What are the risks? You deserve to know the facts. You owe it to yourself to make an informed decision.
Perhaps you’re thinking:
- The father insists on an abortion
- I’m not ready to be a parent
- I can’t tell anyone I’m pregnant
The Process of Abortion
The two types of abortion include medical and surgical abortion. Both work to terminate an existing pregnancy using two different methods. Medical abortion (also known as the abortion pill method) uses two drugs – mifepristone and misoprostol, taken 24-48 hours from each other.
Surgical abortion includes dilation of the cervix and a small suction tube inserted into the uterus. The suction device is used to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. Surgical abortion requires anesthesia and varies on procedure type, depending on how far along you are.
The Risks of Abortion
There are physical side effects to medical abortion including vaginal bleeding, nausea, abdominal cramping, and more. Some of the common physical risks of medical abortion include the following:
- 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
Surgical abortion also comes with serious side effects, including bleeding and infection of the uterus. More risks of surgical abortion include:
- Damage to the womb or cervix
- Uterine perforation (accidentally putting a hole in the uterus with one of the instruments used)
- Scarring of the inside of the uterus
- Reaction to the medicines or anesthesia, such as problems breathing
- Not removing all of the tissue (this requires another procedure)
You Are Not Alone
Some of our staff have been where you are. If you’re considering abortion, you need to know:
- Are you really pregnant?
- Is your pregnancy normal? Or are you at risk for natural miscarriage? Or do you have a tubal pregnancy requiring immediate medical attention?
- How far along are you?
You may also be interested in knowing:
- What kinds of abortion are available to you?
- What are your rights with abortion providers?
- Are there any short-term or long-term risks to consider?
We can help you understand your pregnancy and options, discuss your health, and explain your abortion options.
Schedule a pregnancy test appointment to take your first step toward clarity.