Abortion may initially appear to be the easiest choice, especially when you feel that your career, education, financial stability, and relationships are at stake. These are valid concerns.
Before you choose abortion, consider the health risks and psychological consequences that may arise.
The decision to abort should not be made quickly or under pressure. While others may have input that you value, it’s your future that will be affected, and you will have to live with the consequences. An advocate can examine these issues with you.
Abortion Procedures & Risks
Medical Abortion
Also known as “the abortion pill,” medical abortion includes two drugs that terminate an existing pregnancy.
The first drug, mifepristone, works by blocking the uterus from absorbing progesterone – a hormone the body needs to support pregnancy. Blocking this hormone prevents the embryo growing any further.
Misoprostol is taken next and causes the uterus to contract and force the pregnancy out of the body through the vagina. Mifepristone is normally taken at an abortion clinic, and Misoprostol is taken at home – 24 to 48 hours later.
Risks of Medication Abortion
There are some risks of medication abortion to think over before making a final decision, including:
- Incomplete abortion (may need to be followed by surgical abortion)
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy (if the procedure doesn’t work)
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Digestive system discomfort
- Infection
- Fever
Surgical Abortion
There are two types of surgical abortion: Dilation & Evacuation (D&E) and Dilation & Curettage (D&C). Both surgical procedures dilate the cervix and use vacuum aspiration as well as surgical tools to remove the pregnancy from the uterus.
Risks of Surgical Abortion
Each surgical abortion has the same risks, including:
- Perforation of the uterus (when a surgical instrument pokes a hole in the uterus)
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
Confirm Your Pregnancy Details
While a pregnancy test is needed to determine if you are pregnant, an ultrasound is also necessary to confirm viability, the location of the pregnancy, and how far along you are. An ultrasound can alert you to any potential complications as well.
We offer referrals for free limited ultrasounds. Make a free and confidential appointment to get started on pregnancy confirmation today.
Get The Facts
Abortion is not a simple procedure. Abortion has been associated with preterm birth in future pregnancies, emotional and psychological impact, and spiritual consequences. Please contact us so that you can make a fully informed decision.
We do not perform or refer for abortion, but can provide factual, medically based information about procedures, side effects, and potential risks.