Abortion

What to Know About Abortion

There are several different abortion procedure types as well as potential risks. Empower yourself with information by understanding these risks prior to scheduling an appointment at an abortion clinic.

What Should I Do First?

Take a deep breath. An unexpected pregnancy can be overwhelming, and it’s important not to make a decision based on fear, but one based on facts. Remember that there are plenty of resources available to help you and that you are not alone in this. To ensure you don’t miss any steps as you consider your options, take a look at our Abortion Safety Checklist.

What are the different types of abortion?

Abortion Pill:

Medication abortion also called the abortion pill, can be taken up to 70 days (10 weeks pregnant). On average, the cost of the abortion pill in clinic ranges from $300 to $700 in the United States. Medical abortion isn’t an option if you:

Have an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place.
Have a concern that the pregnancy is outside of the uterus. This is called ectopic pregnancy and can be life-threatening.
Are further along in your pregnancy than 10 weeks. The FDA has only approved the abortion pill for up to 10 weeks from the LMP. Taking the abortion pill later in pregnancy is associated with increased risk of complications, such as an incomplete abortion or severe bleeding.
Have certain medical problems including: bleeding disorders, severe liver or kidney disease, known cardiac disease, or an uncontrolled seizure disorder.
Take certain medications including blood thinners or steroids.
Are allergic to the medicines used.

Surgical Abortion:

There are a few different surgical abortion procedures: Aspiration and Dilation & Evacuation. Both utilize surgical instruments to perform the procedures, however, the Dilation & Evacuation method is reserved for later term pregnancies and requires a few additional steps. The Aspiration procedure is available for pregnancies from 6 to 16 weeks gestation, while Dilation & Evacuation is performed after 16 weeks.

What Are the risks?

There are several risks associated with each abortion procedure type.

Abortion Pill risks:

The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue in the uterus, also called an incomplete abortion. This may require surgical abortion.
An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn't work.
Heavy and prolonged bleeding.
Infection.
Fever.
Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach.

Surgical Abortion Risks:

Risks following a surgical procedure include cramping, nausea, sweating, lightheadedness, blood clots, bleeding that is heavier or more prolonged than anticipated, and damage to the cervix or perforated uterus.

Abortion is a serious medical procedure, and it is vital to understand the procedures in depth before scheduling an appointment. To learn more about abortion, the potential risks, and to get any questions you have answered, make an appointment with us today.

Sources:

FDA.gov

Mayo Clinic: Medical Abortion

Mayo Clinic: Ectopic Pregnancy