Make An Informed Decision
Abortion is the only option that ends a pregnancy, and it’s a significant decision with side effects and risks. Learning about this option is critical to prioritizing your health and making a confident decision.
While A Choice to Make Pregnancy Resource Center does not provide or refer for abortions, we offer factual education on all your options. You deserve to make an educated choice without pressure or judgment.
Types of Abortion
Learning about different abortion procedures will help you understand the potential health impacts and get your questions answered.
There are two primary abortion methods: medical abortion and surgical abortion.
Medical Abortion
Medical abortion (also referred to as the “abortion pill”) uses drugs to end a pregnancy. It is FDA-approved through 10 weeks gestation.
The first drug is mifepristone, which blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for the pregnancy to grow and develop. Without progesterone, the embryo will detach from the uterine lining, and the pregnancy will end.
Misoprostol is taken next. This drug causes uterine contractions that expel the embryo from the body with abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding.
Taking these drugs can cause additional side effects, including:
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Additionally, this method is associated with certain risks, including:
- Digestive symptoms
- Fever
- Infection
- Heavy, prolonged bleeding
- Incomplete abortion (some pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus, requiring another procedure)
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion procedures use a combination of drugs, surgical tools, and suctioning to end the pregnancy. The procedure type depends on how far along the woman is and other factors.
Mild cramping and spotting or light bleeding can occur for several days after the procedure. However, surgical abortion also carries serious risks, including:
- Uterine perforation (when a surgical tool pokes a hole in the uterus)
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall (which can cause painful periods and infertility)
- Infection
As you consider all possible choices, you deserve to carefully weigh each one. Only you can decide what’s best for your pregnancy and situation.
No-Cost Services
A Choice to Make Pregnancy Resource Center provides the no-cost services you deserve. From limited ultrasounds to confirm your pregnancy to comprehensive education on your options, we’re here for you.
Schedule a confidential appointment today to learn more.