How Does Abortion Work?

Abortion is a serious medical procedure with major risks involved. If you are considering this option, you will want to know more about abortion and how it works. You may have questions about this option, like…

  • What type of abortions are there?
  • What are the risks?
  • Do I qualify for abortion?

We hope to answer your most pressing questions about abortion and inform you so you can make an informed pregnancy decision. Get clarity about any fears you may have about this option.

Chemical Abortion

Known as the abortion pill, chemical abortion consists of two different types of drugs to end a pregnancy. The first drug, Mifepristone, blocks a hormone called Progesterone, which causes the thinning of the uterus and prevents the embryo from implanting or growing. The second drug, Misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and release the pregnancy through the vagina.

It’s important to note that chemical abortion is only recommended for women who are 10 weeks pregnant or earlier in their pregnancy.

Risks Of Chemical Abortion

  • Incomplete abortion (may need to be followed by surgical abortion)
  • An ongoing unwanted pregnancy (if the procedure doesn’t work)
  • Heavy and prolonged bleeding
  • Digestive system discomfort
  • Fever

Surgical Abortion

There are two main types of surgical abortion, a more invasive process than chemical abortion. There is aspiration abortion and D&E (Dilation and Evacuation) abortion. Aspiration abortion involves an anesthetic to numb the cervix while surgical instruments are used to clear the contents of the uterus. This type of abortion is normally done around 12-13 weeks of pregnancy.

A D&E (Dilation and Evacuation) abortion is done for women who are more than 12 weeks pregnant. During this type of surgical abortion, the cervix is dilated, and surgical instruments are used to clear the contents of the uterus, while a curette is used to scrape the inside.

Risks Of Surgical Abortion

  • Incomplete abortion
  • Damage to the womb
  • Injury to the cervix
  • Heavy or prolonged bleeding
  • Infection

First – Confirm Your Pregnancy

Before making up your mind about abortion, or any other pregnancy option – you will need to confirm your pregnancy.
A lab-quality pregnancy test and ultrasound will confirm if you have a viable pregnancy (with a heartbeat) and if there are any possible health complications you need to be aware of. The only way to confirm how far along you are (which determines what type of abortion procedure you qualify for) is with an ultrasound.

Some women experience ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage, where an abortion would no longer be an option. Get the clarity you need with a free pregnancy test and ultrasound at our center today!

Considering an abortion?

Many of our staff and client advocates have been where you are and are here to help. If you are considering an abortion, it’s very important to understand each abortion type and their own risks and requirements. Our team is here to help answer your questions.

Make an appointment today.