Are You Considering Abortion?
Many women consider abortion when they discover their unplanned pregnancy because they’re unaware of other options. If you’re contemplating having an abortion, it’s essential you learn about the procedures, side effects, and potential risks beforehand. It is also critical to confirm your pregnancy first. We’ll tell you how.
Two Types of Abortion
There are two types of abortion: medical (which uses abortion drugs) and surgical (requiring surgical equipment). How far along you are in your pregnancy determines which type of abortion you qualify for.
Medical (Also known as the abortion pill method)
The abortion pill method is a medical abortion because it uses drugs to terminate a pregnancy. The FDA highly regulates the first drug, mifepristone. It has only been approved for pregnancies 10 weeks or under.
Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone from reaching the pregnancy. Without progesterone, the pregnancy cannot survive.
The second drug, misoprostol, causes bleeding and contractions to remove the pregnancy from the body.
Side effects of the abortion pill:
- Cramping
- Bleeding
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Potential physical risks of the abortion pill:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Surgical
There are various surgical abortion procedures depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy. Abortion providers perform surgical procedures in either a clinic or hospital.
For early pregnancies, providers can use suction or vacuum aspiration. As the pregnancy progresses, they may add a spoon-shaped scraping tool or forceps to remove larger portions. Most surgical procedures require dilating (opening) the cervix that leads to the pregnancy and either local or general anesthesia.
Side effects of surgical abortion:
- Bleeding
- Cramping
- Possible nausea from anesthesia
Potential physical risks of surgical abortion:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
Studies have also shown women who have abortions have a greater risk of mental health issues than women who have not had an abortion.
Before Your Abortion
It is essential to confirm your pregnancy before scheduling an abortion. Begin with a free and confidential pregnancy test from Life Light. If positive, we can refer you for a free limited obstetrical ultrasound. An ultrasound indicates how far along you are, if your pregnancy is growing or you have miscarried, and its location. Don’t skip this essential step.
Life Light does not provide or refer for abortions, abortion services, or the abortion pill.
The Life Light Pregnancy Help Center Difference
Although we are not a medical center, we do provide accurate information about all of your options for your unplanned pregnancy. We care about you. We will listen to you, and we can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment, talk confidentially with a peer counselor, and head toward a brighter future.
