Abortion
Are you Considering Abortion?
We know how stressful a pregnancy decision can feel – but you are not alone. You deserve to know the facts and be fully informed about every option. If you are considering getting an abortion, ask yourself these questions.
- Am I really pregnant?
- How far along in the pregnancy am I?
- Is my pregnancy viable, or am I at risk for a natural miscarriage?
- Do I have an STI?
- What will happen during an abortion?
- What happens after an abortion?
- Are there other options available to me?
- What if I have already had an abortion?
If you need help answering these questions, or have concerns about abortion, talk to our team to get answers and support when it comes to your unplanned pregnancy. Receive clarity today.
Different Types of Abortion
Different abortion methods are used to end a pregnancy based on how far along you are. At Pathways Pregnancy Clinic, we share evidence-based medical education with you about the different abortion methods that may be available to you. Our caring staff will help you understand what you can expect from each type of abortion procedure and present documented abortion risk factors so that you can make an informed decision.
Abortion Pill (Medical Abortion)
Also known as the abortion pill, medical abortion uses two different drugs to terminate a pregnancy: Mifepristone and Misoprostol. These drugs are only recommended for use up to 10 weeks of pregnancy (first 70 days).
First, Mifepristone works to block the womb from absorbing progesterone (the pregnancy hormone) and prevents the embryo from implanting or growing. Second, Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through the vagina. Normally, Mifepristone is taken at an abortion clinic and Misoprostol is taken at home – 24 to 48 hours later.
Risks of Medical Abortion
As with any medication, there are risks and side effects to consider before making your decision. These include:
- Incomplete abortion ( may need to be followed by surgical abortion)
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy (if the procedure doesn’t work)
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Digestive system discomfort
- Infection
- Fever
Surgical Abortion
The process of surgical abortion includes anesthesia and surgical instruments to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. A surgical abortion is done at an abortion clinic or doctor’s office.
Surgical abortion involves dilating the cervix and using a suction tube to remove the fetus and related pregnancy contents from the uterus. Aspiration abortion is done up to 14-16 weeks of pregnancy, while a D& E (dilation and evacuation) abortion is done after the 14-16 weeks.
An ultrasound is vital to first understand how far along you are in your pregnancy, which determines what type of abortion you are eligible for.
Risks of Surgical Abortion
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks to consider when it comes to surgical abortion. Risks of surgical abortion include:
- Damage to the womb or cervix
- Uterine perforation
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes
- Scarring of the inside of the uterus
- Reaction to the medicines or anesthesia, such as problems breathing
- Not removing all of the tissue, requiring another procedure
You Make the Final Decision
When faced with an unplanned pregnancy, everyone wants to give their opinion about what you should do. But ultimately, it’s your decision to make. Our medical staff and client advocates will give you the guidance and support you need to make an informed decision for yourself. No one can force you to terminate your pregnancy, even if you are a minor.
Schedule an options consultation today at no cost to learn more about your options. We are here for you.