Understanding Abortion

Abortion is the only option that ends a pregnancy. It’s a serious decision that requires much thought, and it’s critical to consider the risks and side effects.

The Life Center does not provide or refer for abortions, but we’re committed to providing accurate information about your options. Learning about abortion procedures and their potential impacts is crucial.

Medical Abortion

Medical abortion uses drugs to end a pregnancy and is FDA-approved through 10 weeks gestation.

The first drug is mifepristone, which blocks a hormone (progesterone) needed for the pregnancy’s growth and development. Without this hormone, the pregnancy detaches from the uterine lining and ends.

Afterward, misoprostol is taken. This drug causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. Taking these drugs will cause abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding.

Medical abortion-related risks are essential to consider. These include:

• Digestive symptoms (i.e., upset stomach)
• Fever
• Infection
• Heavy, prolonged bleeding
• An ongoing pregnancy (if the procedure doesn’t work)
• Incomplete abortion (some pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus, which may require surgical treatment if not expelled)

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion uses drugs, surgical tools, and/or suctioning to end and remove a pregnancy. The procedure type depends on several factors, including how far along the woman is (the gestational age).

Typically, women experience light bleeding or spotting and mild cramping for several days after the procedure. However, it’s vital to be aware of surgical abortion-related risks when weighing pregnancy options. These risks include:

• Infection
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall (which can cause painful periods and infertility)
• Damage to the cervix
• Perforation of the uterus (when a surgical instrument pokes a hole in the uterus)

You owe it to yourself to consider all the facts when navigating an unexpected pregnancy. Before deciding, there are several steps to take to protect your health and safety.

Before Deciding

You are the priority at the Life Center. We understand this time can feel overwhelming, so we’re here to be a supportive, nonjudgmental resource.

Our support team will provide a self-administered pregnancy test and an ultrasound referral if you qualify to help you get answers. We also offer confidential options consultations so you can ask questions about abortion, adoption, and parenting.

Help yourself make a sound decision. Make a free appointment today.