Considering Abortion?
Abortion is a significant medical decision with real consequences. If you are considering abortion, we recommend obtaining a pregnancy screening and ultrasound for your health and safety. All our appointments are no-cost, confidential, and do not require insurance. Below, you’ll find more information on the types of abortion procedures and some of the risks involved.
There are two main types of abortion procedures: the abortion pill (sometimes called medical or chemical abortion) and surgical.
Abortion Pill
The abortion pill is a series of two drugs to end an early viable pregnancy. The first pill blocks the hormone progesterone to terminate the pregnancy. Typically taken 24-48 hours later, the second drug causes uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy from the uterus.
According to the Mayo Clinic, abortion pill side effects include abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. Other side effects include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- fever
- chills
- diarrhea
- headache
- pain in abdomen
- anemia
- gastrointestinal bleeding
More severe potential side effects include:
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Prolonged fever beyond 24 hours
- Infection
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- An ongoing pregnancy (if the procedure does not work)
- An incomplete abortion (which may need to be followed by a surgical abortion)
It’s also important to research pre-existing conditions or medicines that could make taking the abortion pill especially dangerous for you.
Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion is usually performed later in pregnancy. Earlier-term procedures (around 6-12 weeks) are often done with suction or vacuum aspiration. Later procedures (after 12 weeks) involve additional scraping instruments using Dilation and Curettage or Dilation and Evacuation methods.
Typically, women will also have bleeding and cramping following a surgical abortion. But the risks of a surgical abortion can be pretty serious (though your chances of developing them are low):
- Cramping, nausea, sweating, and feeling faint
- Irregular or heavy prolonged bleeding, blood clots
- Damage to the cervix and perforation of the uterus
- Tissue remaining in the uterus
- Infection
After Abortion Risks
After any abortion procedure, if you feel something is wrong, seek immediate medical attention. Your health matters.
Many studies document psychological issues following abortion, including grief for male partners even many years later. One study says pressure to abort is a “Significant abortion-related predictor” of “adverse” psychological difficulties.
If you are having a difficult time after an abortion, know that hope and healing are possible. Post-abortion support is available at local pregnancy resource centers like Waterleaf Women’s Center. This confidential service is offered at no cost to you. Studies show abortion increases the risk of having a premature delivery in the future.
Many peer-reviewed and published medical studies describe a link between induced abortion and increased risk of breast cancer.
