What You Need to Know
Are you considering abortion when it comes to your unexpected pregnancy? You are not alone in your pregnancy decision. You deserve to know the facts to safeguard your health and understand the risks involved with abortion.
With Next Step, we’re here for you. We offer a judgment-free space where you can process your emotions, and we give you the support you deserve to make the best decision.
Medical Abortion (The Abortion Pill)
There are two drugs used in a medical abortion (also called the abortion pill): mifepristone and misoprostol.
First, mifepristone is taken and works to block the progesterone hormone produced in a woman’s body during pregnancy. Blocking this hormone prevents the embryo from implanting or growing.
Secondly, misoprostol is taken during the abortion pill process and causes the uterus to contract and release the pregnancy through the vagina.
The Risks of Medical Abortion
With such a major medical procedure as abortion, there are major risks. According to the Mayo Clinic, potential risks of medical abortion include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion happens in a medical facility. In a surgical abortion, the cervix (the opening of the uterus) is forced open, and suction is used to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. Depending on how far along the pregnancy is, other surgical tools could be used to remove the pregnancy.
The Risks of Surgical Abortion
Risks of surgical abortion, according to the Mayo Clinic, may include:
- Perforation of the uterus (a hole poked through the uterus with a surgical instrument)
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
Steps Before Abortion
There are a couple of steps to take before deciding on abortion. It’s important to protect your health by starting with a free pregnancy test at our center and learning more about your pregnancy with an ultrasound. An ultrasound will help determine if you are eligible for abortion and confirm if your pregnancy is healthy and progressing.
Making such a life-changing decision is difficult, and you deserve to understand all your options. Get everything you need to make the best choice for you. We offer free and confidential pregnancy decision support today. Schedule an appointment today to learn more.