There Are Two Main Types of Abortions:

• Surgical abortion: the removal of pregnancy tissue requiring a surgeon who utilizes invasive surgical techniques.
• Medical abortion: the use of medication to remove the pregnancy tissue.

To understand what option may be right for you, it’s important to understand more about these types of abortions and the associated risks.

How Does a Medical Abortion Work?

During a medical abortion, two medications are given to a woman to remove conception products. The first is called mifepristone; this medication blocks a pregnancy hormone called progesterone which inhibits the growth of the fetus. Next, misoprostol is administered to cause contractions and push out the pregnancy tissue. According to the Cleveland Clinic, risks of a medical abortion include:

• Incomplete abortion
• Excessive bleeding and passing of clots
• Infection
• Fever
• GI upset
• Anaphylaxis reactions related to medications used

Who Is Not Recommended To Receive a Medical Abortion?

It’s essential for your health to have a complete and thorough physical and health history before determining whether medical abortion is right for you. An ultrasound also proves extremely helpful in understanding what choices you do have. The Cleveland Clinic states this specific procedure can be dangerous for individuals who:

• Have an ectopic pregnancy
• Have blood clotting conditions or anemia
• Have chronic adrenal failure such as Addison’s disease
• Have been on corticosteroids for an extended period
• Have an IUD in place
• Have allergic reactions to medications used
• Don’t have the ability to receive immediate emergency care
• Can’t receive follow-up care

How Does a Surgical Abortion Work?

Depending on the fetus’s gestational age, a Dilation & Evacuation (D&E) or Dilation & Curettage (D&C) procedure will be utilized. Both of these procedures are types of surgical abortions and use medical instruments and a vacuum to remove the pregnancy tissue. A D&C is used earlier in pregnancy, while D&E is utilized after 12 weeks and is a more complex procedure.

Both these procedures do have associated risks, according to the Cleveland Clinic, which include:

• Injury to the uterus and surrounding tissues
• Extreme bleeding
• Infection of surrounding tissue such as the fallopian tubes
• Scarring, which can cause infertility
• Allergic reaction to medications used
• Leaving behind pregnancy tissue resulting in the need for additional surgery

How Do I Know What’s Right for Me?

Understanding your options is important to us. We are committed to serving you and want to give you the peace of mind you deserve while not compromising your health and safety. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy or want to speak with our caring staff about your specific situation, we encourage you to contact us today. We can provide free and confidential options counseling and pregnancy testing to know what options are available to you. Together, we will help you find the support and care you are worthy of because your journey matters.