Are you unexpectedly pregnant and considering abortion? It’s natural to consider all your options, as each have lasting effects. However, because abortion is a medical procedure, there are additional risks to consider.
At Pathway to Hope, we can discuss information on the types of abortion procedures, costs, and associated risks. While we do not perform or refer for abortions, you don’t have to make this decision alone. We’re here to listen in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.
We understand how you feel and we want you to know you’re not alone. If considering abortion, you need to confirm a few things before moving forward with the procedure. Find out more about these steps here.
Types Of Abortion Procedures
There are two main types of abortions, medical and surgical. The availability of the procedures is dependent upon how far along you are in your pregnancy. Contact us to get more in-depth information about each abortion procedure.
Medical Abortion (The Abortion Pill)
The medical abortion, “the Abortion Pill,” is a series of two pills that ends a pregnancy, typically within the first 70 days of gestation. The first pill cuts off the flow of progesterone to the pregnancy and the second pill induces cramping to remove the pregnancy from the body.
If you select the pill option, you would likely take the first pill in a doctor’s office or clinic. Then you would take the second pill hours later at your home. The earlier the pill is taken, the more likely it is to terminate the pregnancy.
You will need to visit a doctor’s office or clinic about a week later to ensure the abortion is complete. If the medical abortion was unsuccessful or did not remove 100 percent of the pregnancy, a surgical abortion is needed to finish the procedure.
Risks Of Medical Abortion
How you feel after a medical abortion will vary based on your unique situation. You might feel tired for a day or two afterward, but most women recover. It is important to note that all side effects are experienced on your own, with no medical oversight.
The most common risks of the abortion pill include:
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Incomplete abortion
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive discomfort
Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion uses surgical instruments and varying levels of anesthesia to remove a pregnancy. While you are numb, the doctor will use these instruments to suck and scrape out the fetus. Another instrument called a curette is used to check if the uterus is empty. The type of instruments used is dependent on the size of the fetus.
Surgical abortions are typically 99-100% effective. However, complications can occur. The risk of complications often depends on how far along the pregnancy has progressed. Complications for the surgical option are typically the same as they are for a medical abortion. The additional complications include:
- Injury to the uterus
- Injury to the cervix
If you have additional questions about abortion, let’s meet and we can discuss your options. Contact our team at Pathway to Hope today to learn more. We are here for you.
