Amador Pregnancy & Family Resource Center doesn’t provide or refer for abortions, but we’ll provide the facts about procedures, side effects, and risks with you. You deserve to make an informed decision that considers your health and well-being.
Medical Abortion
Medical abortion (also known as the “abortion pill”) uses drugs to end a pregnancy. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone that is needed for the pregnancy to develop. Misoprostol is taken afterward, expelling the pregnancy and related tissues from the body.
The FDA has only approved medical abortion drugs through 10 weeks gestation. With this type of abortion, you’ll always have abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, which can range from mild to severe.
Possible side effects of medical abortion include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Chills
You may experience a medical abortion-related risk, though this is rare. These risks include:
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
- Heavy, prolonged bleeding
- Incomplete abortion (which may require a surgical procedure)
- An ongoing pregnancy (if the drugs don’t work)
It’s crucial to speak with a healthcare provider about your eligibility for abortion drugs. For example, currently having an IUD in place would disqualify you from undergoing a medical abortion, as would taking certain medications.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortions are typically performed later in pregnancy. The further along you are, the more complex the procedure will be.
During a surgical abortion, the provider will use drugs, surgical tools, and/or suctioning to end your pregnancy and remove it from the uterus. You will experience cramping and bleeding.
As with medical abortion, risks are possible with surgical abortion procedures. They’re rare but can be severe and include:
- Infection
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Perforation of the uterus (when a surgical tool pokes a hole in the uterus)
- Damage to the cervix
Regardless of the abortion procedure you’re considering, always discuss this option with a healthcare provider first. Your health is the priority.
Important Steps to Take
If you’re considering abortion, it’s crucial to follow these steps before making your decision:
- Take advantage of our self-administered pregnancy tests to ensure an accurate result.
- Protect your health with an obstetric ultrasound. We provide ultrasound referrals so you can get the information you need about your pregnancy.
- Learn about your pregnancy options, including the side effects and risks of abortion.
- Discuss your health history with a provider, including disqualifying factors for abortion.
We can help you move forward knowing you are aware of all your options. Schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment today.
We do not provide or refer for abortions.
