Abortion Information

If you suspect you might be pregnant, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the choices ahead. You may be considering options like abortion, which you hadn’t thought about before. We are here to support you no matter what decision you make, but before moving forward, there are a few important considerations to be aware of if you are contemplating abortion.

Before considering an abortion, it’s essential to first confirm your pregnancy. There are several reasons why you might miss a period or experience pregnancy symptoms, so it’s important to confirm your pregnancy through a test. Even if you’ve taken a home pregnancy test, it’s a good idea to take another one to be sure.

If your pregnancy test is positive, an ultrasound is a crucial next step. An ultrasound helps to determine if the pregnancy is viable and can reveal how far along you are. This information is important to make sure that an abortion is medically safe and can also inform you of the type of procedure that might be needed.

Abortion Procedures

Medication Abortion (RU-486, Abortion Pill, Medical Abortion)
You may have heard of the abortion pill under different names, but it refers to the same medication used in medical abortions. This pill is different from emergency contraception (e.g., Plan B). It is a procedure using medication to end a confirmed pregnancy.

Before undergoing a medication abortion, you should consult with your doctor to discuss the procedure, get a physical exam, and undergo an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy and ensure that you’re within the gestational age limit for the abortion pill. Unfortunately, some women have been prescribed the abortion pill when they were not even pregnant.

A medication abortion involves three steps:

1. The first medication is given to stop the pregnancy by causing the death of the embryo or fetus. If you change your mind after taking the first pill, there are medical options available that may reverse the effects of the medication; contact us for help in those cases.

2. A second medication is given to expel the pregnancy tissue from the body. Many women experience side effects like nausea, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness during this stage.

3. A follow-up appointment with your doctor is necessary 7-14 days after taking the first pill to ensure that the pregnancy has been fully expelled. If anything remains in the uterus, a surgical procedure may be required to prevent complications.

First-Trimester Aspiration Abortion (up to 12-13 weeks of pregnancy)
For first-trimester abortions, the procedure may involve local anesthesia and dilation of the cervix to remove the pregnancy tissue. Suction is used to clear the uterus. Afterward, the provider will check to make sure the procedure was complete and no tissue remains.

Dilation & Evacuation (D&E) Abortion (13 weeks and beyond)
In the second or third trimester, the cervix must be dilated further, which can take several hours or even overnight. After dilation, forceps are used to remove the fetus, and in some cases, ultrasound guidance is used. If the pregnancy is further along, the fetus may be injected with chemicals to induce death before the procedure.

Intact D&E
In certain cases, particularly for later-term pregnancies, the goal is to remove the fetus intact. However, this can involve significant risk, and the procedure may include crushing or removing parts of the skull for the fetus to pass through the cervix.

If you are considering a late-term abortion due to a diagnosed abnormality in the fetus, there are options and support available. Call us to discuss alternatives and get the help you need.

Making an Informed Decision
If you’re thinking about abortion, it’s important to be fully informed about the procedure, risks, side effects, and alternatives. We are here to provide confidential support and help you understand all your options. If you have any questions or want to talk through your situation, reach out to us for assistance.