Going back and forth between your pregnancy options? If you’re considering abortion, we’re here to better inform you about the abortion process as well as the risks. You deserve to understand the facts.

Two Types of Abortion 

There are two main types of abortion procedures: medical abortion (also known as the abortion pill) and surgical abortion. Each terminates an existing pregnancy through either medication or surgery.

Medical Abortion

Also known as medical abortion, the abortion pill process involves two different drugs. Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone and interrupts pregnancy development prompting detachment. Next, misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo through the vagina.

The Risks of Medical Abortion

With such a major medical procedure as the abortion pill, there are risks to consider. Some of the common medical abortion risks listed by the Mayo Clinic include:

• The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue in the uterus, also called an incomplete abortion. This may require surgical abortion.
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding.
• Abdominal cramping.
• Infection.
• Fever.
• Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach.

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion works to dilate the cervix and remove the pregnancy using suction or surgical tools/forceps. There are multiple types of surgical abortion procedures. Surgical procedures are very similar in the way they are done and share physical risks, including:

• Excessive bleeding.
• Infection.
• Reaction to the medicines or anesthesia, such as problems breathing.
• Scarring of the inside of the uterus.
• Uterine perforation. 
• Not removing all of the tissue– requiring another procedure.
• Damage to the uterus or cervix.

Before Making An Abortion Decision

Before moving forward with an abortion decision, an ultrasound is necessary to protect your health by confirming your pregnancy details and your available pregnancy options. An ultrasound works to confirm the following:

• Location of your pregnancy (whether it’s located within your uterus).
• Viability of your pregnancy (if there’s a heartbeat and the pregnancy is progressing).
• How far along you are (gestational age).

At Clara Women’s Center, following a positive pregnancy test, a limited ultrasound is performed to give you these answers. Schedule an appointment today, we’re here to help.

No-Cost Pre-Abortion Screening

We offer no-cost and confidential pre-abortion screenings so you can take your next steps. Talk to us today to get your abortion questions answered and learn more about all of your pregnancy options.

Clara Women’s Center does not perform or refer for abortions.