The two types of abortion are medical and surgical. Learning as much as possible about the procedures, expected side effects, and potential physical and emotional risks is crucial.
Medical Abortion
A medical or medication abortion uses drugs to end a pregnancy. This method is also known as the abortion pill, but you don’t take just one pill. Abortion providers use two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. The first drug ends the pregnancy, while the second drug causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy and related tissue. This regimen will cause vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping with some level of pain.
The FDA approves the use of mifepristone through 10 weeks of pregnancy only (70 days after the first day of your last menstrual period). The FDA highly regulates this drug, and only certified providers can prescribe it.
There are limitations to who can qualify for this method. Learn more about the risks and side effects by reading specific abortion pill information.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical procedures vary based on how far along you are in your pregnancy. Abortion providers use suction or vacuum aspiration for early first-trimester pregnancies.
Later pregnancies may require a D&C (dilation and curettage) or a D&E (dilation and evacuation). A D&C uses a combination of suction and a scraping instrument called a curette.
Second-trimester pregnancies usually require a D&E, which uses forceps to remove the pregnancy.
Most surgical abortions require some form of local or general anesthesia. Depending on how far along you are, it may be necessary to dilate (open) your cervix, which leads to the uterus.
Side Effects
The side effects of a surgical abortion include light vaginal bleeding or spotting and mild cramping. However, you should contact your provider if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Tender or painful belly.
- Fever.
- Heavy bleeding.
- Large blood clots coming from your vagina.
- Severe abdominal cramps.
- Unusual or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
Risks
Although rare, physical risks exist. They include:
- Uterine perforation (when a surgical instrument pokes a hole in the uterine wall).
- Infection.
- Bleeding.
Before Your Abortion
An ultrasound is vital before an abortion. Ultrasound determines if your pregnancy is developing or if you have had a miscarriage. An ultrasound exam also helps determine the location of the pregnancy and the number of weeks you have been pregnant.
You should discuss your mental health with your healthcare provider. Having an abortion affects some women negatively, causing anxiety and depression.
Talk With a Caring Client Advocate
Schedule an appointment with a member of our team to discuss your situation. Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we can give you factual, medically based information. We’re here for you.
We do not perform or refer for abortion.
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