You’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering termination, but you’re wondering if abortion is safe for you.
As you make this important choice for your future and explore the options available to you, it’s crucial to take the time you need to learn about each abortion procedure and the associated side effects and risks.
What are my abortion options?
When deciding what type of abortion procedure is best for you, it’s important to understand the difference between medical abortion and the various forms of surgical abortion.
Medical Abortion
A medical abortion, also called the abortion pill, utilizes the drugs Mifepristone and Misoprostol. Mifepristone is taken to prevent the body’s natural production of the pregnancy hormone progesterone. Without progesterone, the pregnancy will not be able to survive. Once the pregnancy is ended, Misoprostol is taken to cause contractions and expel the pregnancy.
Medical abortions are only effective in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Surgical Abortion
There are various forms of surgical abortions and the technique used depends on the gestational age and development of the pregnancy. Each type of surgical abortion involves either a suctioning or scraping technique to remove the pregnancy from the dilated uterus.
Surgical abortions can be performed at any point throughout the pregnancy, depending on the laws and regulations in your state.
What type of abortion am I eligible for?
In order to understand what type of abortion you’re eligible for, you’ll first need to know the age, location, and viability of your pregnancy. Before you schedule your abortion procedure, we recommend scheduling an appointment for a no-cost ultrasound scan at your local pregnancy clinic.
Are you located in the Palm Beach area? The staff at Palm Beach Women’s Clinic will provide you with a no-cost ultrasound and information on the pregnancy options you’re eligible for.
Which Type of Abortion is Safest?
Once you determine what procedure you’re eligible for, you’ll also want to consider the side effects and risks associated with each option.
Abortion Pill Side Effects and Risks
When taking the abortion pill, it’s normal to experience side effects such as cramping, bleeding, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and headaches. In addition to these common side effects, some women experience severe health risks, including sepsis, infections, and hemorrhaging.
Surgical Abortion Side Effects and Risks
Like the abortion pill, surgical abortions can also be accompanied by abdominal cramping, pain, nausea, vomiting, heavy bleeding, and diarrhea. Unfortunately, some women also face other long-term health consequences related to their surgical abortion procedures. These risks include damage to the cervix, perforation of the uterine lining, infections, sepsis, and hemorrhaging.
Receiving an ultrasound and STD testing at your local pregnancy clinic will help you and your doctor determine if you’re at risk for any long-term health consequences related to abortion.
I’m not sure if abortion is right for me. What do I do?
Deciding what to do regarding an unplanned pregnancy can be one of the most difficult choices a woman will make. If you’re not confident abortion is right for you, it’s important to take time to explore your other options, including parenting and adoption.
To learn more about these options and the many resources available to you through Palm Beach Women’s Clinic, schedule your no-cost appointment today.
