There are two types of abortion: chemical (also known as the “abortion pill”) and surgical.
Your pregnancy’s gestational age is one of the main factors that determine which type of abortion you’re eligible for.
What Should I Know About Chemical Abortion?
Chemical abortion involves two powerful drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. These drugs are taken at home without the oversight of a physician.
Mifepristone is taken first. It blocks progesterone and begins the abortion process. Your uterine lining will loosen and shed, causing your pregnancy to detach and end.
Misoprostol is taken next. This drug causes your uterus to cramp and expel the pregnancy out through your vagina.
These drugs will cause you to experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping, which, in some cases, can be severe. You might also witness the expelled embryo or fetus, which can be distressing for some women.
The abortion drugs are only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is 10 weeks gestation or under.
These drugs come with risks, like incomplete abortion—this happens when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in the uterus, and it can lead to heavy and prolonged bleeding and a potentially life-threatening infection.
What Should I Know About Surgical Abortion?
Surgical abortion is done in a clinical setting. While it can be done earlier in pregnancy, it’s usually performed later in pregnancy.
Surgical abortion involves dilating the cervix so that medical instruments can enter the uterus to remove the pregnancy. Earlier in pregnancy, strong suction and scraping tools are used. However, later in pregnancy, other instruments like forceps are used to remove larger parts of the pregnancy.
One of the main risks of surgical abortion is uterine perforation, which is when one of the abortion instruments pokes a hole in your uterus. This can lead to painful menstrual periods or future infertility.
How Can I Protect My Health?
The most important step to take if you’re considering an abortion is to get an ultrasound. This simple scan can help reveal your pregnancy’s gestational age (which is critical to know before seeking a medical abortion and refers to how far along you are), location, and viability (whether it is progressing and has a heartbeat).
At Life Choices Pregnancy Care Center, we offer free, limited ultrasounds, because we believe you deserve to have the information you need to stay safe and make an educated decision.
You’re not alone in this. We’re here for you.