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. Having accurate medical information and compassionate support is essential. The first step is confirming your pregnancy. Missed periods and pregnancy-like symptoms can happen for many reasons, so a pregnancy test is important, even if you’ve already taken one at home. Women’s Care Center (WCC) provides free, medical-grade pregnancy testing in a confidential setting.
If your test is positive, the next important step is a sonogram. We can provide a sonogram (ultrasound) to determine how far along the pregnancy is and whether it is viable. This information is important for your health and safety and helps clarify what options may be available to you. While WCC does not provide or refer for abortion procedures, we are here to offer support, education, and a safe space to talk through your situation. If you have questions or need someone to walk alongside you as you process your next steps, we’re here to help.
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:
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.
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.
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.
