Abortion is a life-changing decision and should not be made without proper information and consideration.
At Pathway to Hope, we can discuss with you information on the types of abortion procedures, costs, and associated risks. While we do not perform or refer for abortions, don’t 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. Many of our staff have been where you are and understand the pressures of this decision. If you’re considering abortion, you need to confirm a few things before moving forward with the procedure. Find out more about these steps here.
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. To get more in-depth information about each procedure, contact us today.
The medical abortion RU-486 or “the Abortion Pill,” is actually a series of pills that ends a pregnancy typically within the first 10 weeks. 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 the doctor’s office or clinic. Then you would take the second pill hours later in your home.
Though the abortion pill is usually effective, it fails approximately 2-8% of the time. The earlier the pill is taken, the more likely it is to terminate the pregnancy.
You will need to visit the doctor’s office or clinic about a week later to ensure that the abortion is complete. If the medical abortion was unsuccessful or did not remove 100 percent of the pregnancy, a surgical abortion will be needed to finish the procedure.
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.
In total, the operation takes less than 15 minutes for an abortion occurring with 12 weeks gestation. If the pregnancy has progressed for longer than 12 weeks, the procedure is similar, but your cervix is prepared differently. You will either take pills that soften your cervix to reduce discomfort, or you take medication that will widen the cervix enough for the abortion to occur.
Surgical abortions are typically 99-100% effective. However, complications can occur. Generally, you can reduce the risks of complications by avoiding sexual intercourse and swimming, taking a shower instead of a bath, and using sanitary pads instead of tampons.
How you feel after a medical abortion will vary based on your particular 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 side effects of the abortion pill are:
Complications of a surgical abortion occur in approximately 3% of cases. 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:
The abortion pills typically cost between $300 and $800. The prices vary depending on where you purchase the pills, the state you live in, and how much your insurance covers.
Surgical abortions range from approximately $350-$950 for an abortion done in the first trimester. The cost of a second-trimester abortion is usually higher. Similar to abortion pills, the costs of surgical abortions vary depending on where you go, where you live, and your insurance.
If you have additional questions about abortion, let’s meet and we can discuss your options. Contact Pathway to Hope today.