If you are currently facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be wondering what the different types of abortion are. Does how far along you are in your pregnancy matter? What side effects or risks do the different types of abortion have?
This article will review medically accurate information about different types of abortion procedures. (The contents below are not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Consult a medical professional about your specific condition.)
Different Types of Abortion: Surgical vs. Abortion Pill
The two main types of abortion are medical and surgical. Medical refers to the abortion pill, sometimes known as an at-home abortion.
Surgical Abortion
There are three types of Surgical abortions:
- Suction or Vacuum Aspiration: This procedure is performed on pregnancies that are approximately 5-12 weeks along. The pregnancy and placenta are removed using a suction tube.
- Dilation and Curettage (D&C): This is a surgical procedure often used for pregnancies in the late-first or early-second trimester (around 10 to 16 weeks). It involves dilation of the cervix and removal of pregnancy tissue from the uterus by scraping it away from the uterine wall. Suction may also be used to remove tissue.
- Dilation and Evacuation (D&E): This surgery is typically performed in the second trimester of pregnancy. It involves injecting the fetus to cause termination. Surgery to remove the pregnancy will take place 2-3 days later and may involve general or spinal anesthesia injection. The cervix is dilated, and the pregnancy is removed with forceps, a scraping tool, and/or vacuum suction.
Abortion Pill
The abortion pill is a regimen approved by the FDA through 10 weeks of pregnancy:
- Abortion Pill: The regimen involves taking two medications—mifepristone and misoprostol—to terminate a pregnancy. The process typically occurs over 24-72 hours. The patient will often administer the pills herself and expel the pregnancy in her home.
The first pill terminates the pregnancy. The second set of pills induces contractions to expel the pregnancy.
What are the Risks of Abortion Procedures?
Any medical procedure has its risks. For example:
Risks of Surgical Abortion include:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Serious infection
Risks of Abortion Pill include:
- Incomplete abortion (requiring a follow-up procedure)
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Ongoing pregnancy if the procedure is unsuccessful
There are also many studies that show mental and psychological risks with either type of abortion.
- A study found that women who had undergone an abortion experienced an “81% increased risk of mental health problems,” including anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidal behaviors.
- Over 14% of American women met the full diagnosis for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following their abortions.
- Women with an abortion have a 2-3 times higher suicide risk compared to non-pregnant women.
Why is an ultrasound important before any abortion or with any pregnancy?
The ultrasound is a crucial step and reveals information like:
- The location of your pregnancy. If your pregnancy has implanted anywhere outside the uterus you could have an ectopic pregnancy. In this instance, you would be advised to seek immediate medical attention. The FDA specifically says the abortion pill “will not be effective to terminate an ectopic pregnancy.”
- The gestational age is determined by measuring the dimensions of the pregnancy. The abortion pill can be dangerous to you if your pregnancy is farther along than you may think. The FDA approves of the abortion pill up to 70 days (10 weeks). Be warned that some abortion pill vendors claim the abortion pill is safe beyond the FDA’s 10-week approved range. Abortion pill risks such as uterine rupture increase the farther along you are in your pregnancy. The ultrasound provides you with an accurate gestational age so you can make the best decision for you.
- The viability of your pregnancy. If a heartbeat cannot be detected, or if the ultrasound does not show the findings we would expect to see, we recommend follow-up with your physician. In some cases, a pregnancy that is not progressing as expected may end naturally without medical intervention. Appropriate follow-up care may also help avoid an unnecessary abortion procedure.
Schedule an appointment
If you have taken the abortion pill and changed your mind, it may not be too late. Learn more about Abortion Pill Reversal or contact Waterleaf right away at 630-360-2256.
Before scheduling any abortion procedure, consider a confidential, in-person visit with our licensed medical professionals. At Waterleaf, we offer free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds to confirm your pregnancy so you can make informed decisions with confidence and clarity. No insurance is required. Your health and safety is our priority!
Our compassionate staff is here to answer questions and provide medically accurate information as you navigate what’s next. You’re not alone. Contact us confidentially today online, by phone at 630-701-6270 or text at 630-360-2256.
