When considering the option of abortion, you probably have many questions and concerns.
What are the risks? Is this an option for me? Do I qualify for abortion?
When considering abortion, it’s important to know the types of abortion procedures, the risks, and where your pregnancy stands to determine what options are available to you.
Get free information about your options and pregnancy confirmation at North Care today to start getting answers.
Understand Abortion & the Risks
There are two main types of abortion procedures, done at different points of pregnancy. The FDA only recommends medical abortion for women through 10 weeks of pregnancy. Otherwise, a surgical abortion may be your safest option.
Medical Abortion
Also called the abortion pill, medical abortion consists of two different abortion drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. First, mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone, preventing the embryo from implanting or growing. Secondly, misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
Common risks of medical abortion (the abortion pill) include:
- The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue in the uterus, also called an incomplete abortion (this may require surgical treatment)
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach
Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion consists of the dilation of the cervix and multiple surgical instruments to remove the pregnancy through the vagina. Other surgical tools are used in this type of abortion to remove all pregnancy tissue parts.
Common risks of surgical abortion include:
- Damage to the uterus or cervix
- Uterine perforation
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes
- Scarring of the inside of the uterus
- Reaction to the drugs or anesthesia, such as problems breathing
- Not removing all of the tissue, requiring another procedure
Know Where Your Pregnancy Stands
Schedule a free and confidential options consultation to learn more about your pregnancy details and your available pregnancy options. A consultation with us may also include STD testing. We are a resource you can trust as you plan your next steps.
Schedule a free appointment to get the answers you’re seeking. You deserve the facts before making your final pregnancy decision.
North Care Women’s Clinic does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
1 “Information about Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation.” FDA, 2023, https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation.
2 “Medical Abortion.” Mayo Clinic, 2024, https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687.
3 “Abortion – procedure.” Medline Plus, 2022, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002912.htm.
