Considering Abortion? Get the Facts First
Read any anonymous Reddit post about an abortion experience, and you’ll find many women who were totally unprepared. The abortion provider tells them that using the abortion pill is just like having normal period cramps.
However, they’re surprised by the amount of pain and bleeding. They also struggle with sadness and feelings of guilt.
We’re glad you’re taking the time to get the facts. You deserve to have the truth.
Two Types of Abortion
There are two main types of abortion: medical and surgical. Usually, how far along you are in your pregnancy determines the type of procedure you qualify for.
Get The Facts: the Abortion Pill Method
The abortion pill method is a form of medical abortion because it uses drugs to end a pregnancy. You take two different drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.
The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone from reaching the pregnancy. Without progesterone, the pregnancy cannot continue. Misoprostol, the second drug, causes bleeding and contractions to expel the pregnancy from the body. Misoprostol causes pain and excessive bleeding.
The FDA approves the use of mifepristone through 10 weeks of pregnancy only. The further along your pregnancy is, the less effective the drugs are. Knowing how many weeks and days you’ve been pregnant is essential.
Side Effects
You can expect side effects, such as an upset stomach with potential vomiting, fever, chills, diarrhea, and headache.
Risks
Possible risks to consider include an incomplete abortion, which occurs when the body doesn’t release all of the pregnancy tissue. Depending on how far along you are, you also risk the possibility of an ongoing pregnancy or infection.
Many women report heavy and prolonged bleeding and severe pain.
Risks can also include emotional trauma. Certain women experience grief, regret, sadness, and a sense of loss.
Get The Facts: Surgical Abortion
The type of surgical procedure you receive depends on the gestational age. In the first 13 weeks, the abortion provider uses suction or vacuum aspiration. As the pregnancy progresses, the provider may need to use a sharp, scraping tool, such as a curette or forceps, to remove larger parts.
Side Effects
Side effects of a surgical procedure might include heavy bleeding, lasting dizziness, fever, cramps, and a foul-smelling discharge.
Risks
Since this is a surgical procedure, many of the risks pertain to the use of surgical instruments. For instance, the abortion provider may poke a hole in your uterus, damage your cervix (which leads to the uterus), create scar tissue on the uterine wall, or introduce an infection.
You may also experience mental health issues following a surgical procedure.
Protect Your Health
How you handle your pregnancy is your choice. We want to ensure you have the facts so you are fully prepared. Many abortion providers won’t give you the details, but we will.
Schedule an appointment to talk about your options, including an abortion. With our medical team, there is no pressure or judgment. We just want to educate, equip, and empower you to make the best decision for your future.
Cornerstone Reproductive Health does not perform or refer for abortion.
