From Our Blog
What Are the Different Types of Abortion?
Unplanned pregnancies come with an endless list of questions. When you’re making a big decision for your future, it’s important to take time to explore all of your options.
If you’re considering abortion, we recommend taking extra care to understand the various procedures and to educate yourself regarding the risks and side effects that may come with each.
Woman’s New Life Clinic is here to help you explore your pregnancy options. Below are the different types of abortion procedures:
Medical Abortion
Those seeking an abortion in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy may be eligible for a medical abortion procedure, also called the abortion pill or chemical abortion. A medical abortion process requires taking two drugs, Mifepristone and Misoprostol.
The first drug, Mifepristone, is taken in order to block the body’s absorption of the pregnancy hormone called progesterone. Misoprostol is administered about 24-48 hours later in order to cause contractions and expel the pregnancy tissue
Suction Curettage Abortions
Suction Curettage abortions are a form of surgical abortion used in the first trimester of pregnancy.
The procedure is started by dilating the cervix. Next, a plastic tube connected to a suction device is inserted into the uterus in order to pull apart and remove the pregnancy tissue.
The abortion provider will then use a curette to scrape the uterus of any retained fetal tissue.
Dilation and Evacuation Abortions
Because the fetus is more developed later in pregnancy, Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) abortions are more typical in the second trimester.
This surgical procedure also begins with the cervix being dilated. Using forceps, the abortion provider will then break the fetus and placenta into small enough pieces to pass through the cervical opening.
What Are the Side Effects and Risks Related to Abortion?
The side effects and risks related to abortion will depend on the procedure. Before scheduling an abortion, it’s important to understand your unique pregnancy conditions and the risks you might encounter.
Women who take the abortion pill may experience:
- Nausea
- Fever
- Chills
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Headaches
In addition to these more common side effects, some women experience risks including infection, sepsis, and hemorrhaging.
Surgical abortions often result in cramping and bleeding, as well as more health risks related to infection, prolonged bleeding, uterine perforation, and injury to the cervix.
Where Can I Find Free Pregnancy Healthcare Services?
Between abortion, adoption, and parenting, it can be difficult to know which pregnancy option is right for you. Thankfully, you’re not alone. Woman’s New Life Clinic is here to help you navigate your unplanned pregnancy and learn more about your options and the resources available to you.
Our services are offered on a free and confidential basis in order to help you focus on the important stuff! At our clinic, you’ll find…
- Free medical-grade pregnancy testing
- Free ultrasound scans to confirm your pregnancy
- Material resources including baby clothes, baby equipment, and diapers
- Social services referrals
- Options counseling
- Abortion Pill Reversal
- Counseling for pregnancy loss such as past abortion, miscarriage or stillbirth
- Counseling for post-partum depression