Abortion Information

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Make an Informed Decision

Abortion is the only option that ends a pregnancy, and it’s a significant decision. Understanding how abortion works, along with its possible side effects and risks, helps you protect your health and make a confident choice.

While North Care Women’s Clinic does not provide or refer for abortions, we offer factual education about all your options. You deserve to make an informed decision in a compassionate, respectful environment.

Understanding Abortion

There are two primary types of abortion: medical abortion and surgical abortion. Learning about each method can help you understand what to expect and how these procedures may affect your health.

Medical Abortion

Medical abortion, often called “the abortion pill,” uses two drugs to end a pregnancy. It is FDA-approved for pregnancies through 10 weeks gestation.

The process begins with mifepristone, which blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for pregnancy to continue. Without progesterone, the pregnancy detaches from the uterine wall and stops progressing.

The second drug, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through cramping and bleeding.

Taking these drugs can cause additional side effects, including:

• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Headache

Potential risks include:

• Heavy or prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Incomplete abortion (when tissue remains in the uterus and surgical treatment may be needed)

For more information about the abortion pill, please review this information to learn more about this procedure: The Abortion Pill

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion procedures use medical instruments, drugs, and suction to end and remove the pregnancy. The specific method depends on gestational age and other factors.

You may experience mild cramping and light bleeding for a few days following the procedure. However, surgical abortion also carries potential risks, such as:

• Uterine perforation (when a surgical tool punctures the uterus)
• Cervical injury
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall (which can affect fertility or cause painful periods)
• Infection
• Incomplete abortion

Follow-up care after any abortion is essential to ensure there are no complications and that the procedure was complete. Please consult this page for more information on surgical abortion: Surgical Abortion

Your Health Matters

Only you can decide what’s best for your situation. At North Care Women’s Clinic, our team is here to help you understand all your options so you can make an educated decision.

It’s also critically important to gather information about your pregnancy to protect your health and carefully weigh your choices. Please visit our Checklist Before Abortion page to learn more about finding the information you need.

You don’t have to make this decision alone. Learn more about your pregnancy and options in a caring, supportive environment.

Schedule a confidential appointment today to get the facts and clarity you need to make an informed decision for your future.