What Are My Abortion Options?

In this blog, we’ll uncover the potential risks and side effects of each of your abortion options. We’ll break down how the various procedures terminate a pregnancy so you can understand what each may entail.

What are my abortion options?

Before we can discuss the risks and side effects of each of your abortion options, it’s important to learn the difference between medical and surgical abortions.

Medical Abortion

A medical abortion, also called “chemical abortion” or “the abortion pill,” uses the drugs Mifepristone and Misoprostol to chemically terminate and expel a pregnancy. The first drug, Mifepristone, works to block the body’s natural production of the pregnancy hormone called progesterone. Progesterone is necessary for the pregnancy to grow and develop, and without it, the pregnancy will not survive.

After the pregnancy has ended, Misoprostol will be administered to force the pregnancy from the womb through a process of sometimes intense contractions and bleeding.

Surgical Abortion

Unlike medical abortions, surgical abortions can be performed at any point in the pregnancy (depending on the laws and regulations of your state) using various techniques. The method used will depend on the stage of your pregnancy and the size of the fetus, but will typically involve dilating the cervix and suctioning or scraping the pregnancy tissue from the womb.
How can I find out how far along I am?

Before you determine what type of abortion procedure you’re eligible for, you’ll need to receive a limited OB ultrasound. This scan may confirm the gestational age of your pregnancy. Additionally, an ultrasound may allow a physician to identify major medical concerns related to your pregnancy, such as ectopic pregnancy, and/or whether or not your pregnancy is viable.

Possible Abortion Side Effects

Whether you’re considering a medical or surgical abortion, it’s important to be aware of the various side effects and risks you might face with each:

Abortion Pill Side Effects and Risks

Those who take the abortion pill will experience bleeding and cramping as the pregnancy tissue passes from the uterus, as well as possible diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and headaches.

Additionally, some women face serious health risks as a result of their medical abortion procedures, including sepsis, infections, and hemorrhaging.

Surgical Abortion Side Effects and Risks

Surgical abortions come with similar side effects and risks to medical abortions, including abdominal cramping and pain, nausea, vomiting, heavy bleeding, and diarrhea.

Women may also experience long-term health consequences following their surgical abortion procedures, including infections, sepsis, hemorrhaging, damage to the cervix, and perforation of the uterine lining.

Thinking about abortion?

Liberty Women’s Clinic provides free pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds and STI testing to help you better understand your pregnancy or sexual health risk.

To learn more about your abortion options and the services available at Liberty Women’s Clinic, contact us to schedule your free nurse consultation today!

This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional counseling and/or medical advice.