At Life Choices Center, we want you to be equipped with accurate and helpful information so you can feel confident that you are making the best decision for yourself. Every pregnancy is emotional, but an unexpected pregnancy can often feel overwhelming.
Many women consider abortion as their primary pregnancy option due to the stress associated with an unplanned pregnancy. These feelings are entirely normal. If you are considering abortion, we want you to know the facts associated with the procedure.
The truth is, abortion is a very serious medical procedure, meaning it is imperative that you understand all of the associated risks and side effects before making a decision.
Two Variations of Abortion
The type of abortion you qualify for is entirely dependent upon the timing of your pregnancy. If your pregnancy is longer than 10 weeks, you’ll have an in-clinic surgical abortion. If you are within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy, you are eligible to take the abortion pill (medication abortion).
Because the type of procedure you are able to have is dependent upon how long you have been pregnant, confirming the gestational age of the pregnancy is a prerequisite to any abortion. To understand exactly how far along you are in your pregnancy, you should receive a medical-grade pregnancy test, quickly followed by an ultrasound. We offer free pregnancy tests and no-cost ultrasound referrals at Life Choices Center.
Abortion Pill Risks
Medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill, consists of two powerful drugs that eliminate a pregnancy. The Mayo Clinic says, “Having a medical abortion is a major decision with emotional and psychological consequences. If you’re considering this procedure, make sure you understand what it entails, side effects, possible risks, complications, and alternatives.”
Potential risks of a medical abortion according to the Mayo Clinic include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- A viable pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever, especially serious if longer than 24 hours
- Digestive system discomfort
- Abdominal cramping, possibly severe
Surgical Abortion Risks
Surgical abortion is an invasive procedure that terminates and eliminates a pregnancy. There are many risks associated with this procedure, so it is highly important to understand the potential side effects.
Here’s a list of the side effects and potential risks of surgical abortion:
- Heavy Bleeding
- Fever
- Cramps lasting up to 48 hours
- Perforation of the uterus
- Cervical Damage
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
We Are Here For You
It is vital for you to understand these risks prior to scheduling your abortion procedure. Our staff is highly knowledgeable about abortion risks. If you have any questions, we would be happy to help guide you.
At Life Choices Center, we offer lab-quality testing and refer for no-cost on-site ultrasounds. Our staff can answer all of your questions in a safe and non-judgmental environment. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with Life Choices Center.