If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be considering abortion. Before making a final decision, you will want to be fully informed about the different procedures and possible side effects. We want to empower you to make your own choice. We do not refer for or perform abortions. Our goal is to provide factual answers to your questions so there is no doubt about your next step.
Types of Abortion Procedures
An abortion is a medical method of terminating a pregnancy. How far along you are in your pregnancy determines what kind of abortion you may have.
Medication Abortion
The abortion pill, or medication abortion, can only occur during the first nine or ten weeks of pregnancy. It’s actually a series of two drugs. The first drug causes the lining of your uterus to thin so the embryo cannot stay implanted. The second drug causes your body to expel the pregnancy.
Surgical Abortion
If you’re further than nine or ten weeks along, the abortion pill won’t be an option for you. You will need to have a surgical abortion procedure. There are a number of different types, but all involve injections, dilation and a suction device. This type of abortion is more invasive and can cause serious side effects.
Abortion Side Effects
Whether you’re able to choose the abortion pill or a surgical option, it’s important to remember abortion is a serious medical procedure. Like any other procedure, it comes with a variety of side effects, risks, and long-term impact.
Physical side effects include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Possible damage to cervix
- Potential for a perforated uterus
In addition to the above side effects, there is a possibility that an incomplete abortion could lead to the inability to have children in the future or even death. It is also important to mention that many women experience emotional and psychological side effects after an abortion. Some women have an overwhelming sense of guilt and regret.
Before an Abortion
Prior to any abortion, you will need to know how far along you are in your pregnancy. Through pregnancy testing at Life Choices Center and a referral for an on-site ultrasound, we can answer that question for you. Both services are free and completely confidential.
If you have questions or want to know more about abortion procedures, please call us. We do not refer for or perform abortions at our Center, but we want you to be empowered by being fully informed. Before you make any decision about your unplanned pregnancy, know you are not in this alone. We are here for you.