Abortion Facts || Informed Decision
Before an Abortion
If you're grappling with the possibility of pregnancy and navigating the decisions ahead, you're not alone in feeling overwhelmed. Perhaps you're considering options like abortion for the first time, and that can add to the complexity of your situation. Here at our center, we're dedicated to guiding you as you navigate these choices, offering the support you need, regardless of your circumstances.
Before moving forward with any decision, it's crucial to confirm your pregnancy. Various factors could account for a missed period or other pregnancy symptoms, so taking a pregnancy test is a vital initial step. When you reach out to us, either by visiting or contacting us, we'll assist you in scheduling an appointment. During this appointment, we'll conduct a pregnancy test, address any queries you may have, and stand by you as you proceed.
Upon receiving a positive pregnancy test result, it's essential to undergo an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy and gain pertinent insights before making any decisions. An ultrasound can provide valuable information, such as confirming if the pregnancy is viable (indicating a living baby with a heartbeat), determining the gestational age, and ensuring the pregnancy is located within the uterus. All of these details play a role in shaping your available options.
Feel free to reach out to us today. We're here to discuss your options with you, assist in scheduling or referring you for an ultrasound, and rest assured that everything you share with us remains entirely confidential, safeguarding your privacy every step of the way.
Types of Abortions
- Chemical Abortion
Also known as the Abortion Pill, Medication Abortion, RU-486, or Medical Abortion [1]
The abortion pill is known by various names, including medication abortion, early medical abortion, RU-486, Mifeprex (mifepristone), misoprostol, and chemical abortion. In instances beyond the first trimester, laminaria (small rods) may be used to dilate the cervix, and sometimes, digoxin is injected into the baby during the abortion process.
Please note: While Mifepristone is FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks after your last menstrual period, some abortion providers may offer the procedure beyond this timeframe. Misoprostol has not been approved for pregnancy use.
The abortion pill regimen typically involves taking two drugs, with mifepristone and misoprostol being the most common. Mifepristone works by lowering progesterone levels to unsafe levels during pregnancy. This is because progesterone is vital for maintaining pregnancy and fetal development, so lowering progesterone makes the environment in the uterus too harsh for the pregnancy to be sustained.
In a chemical abortion, the mifepristone is followed by misoprostol, which induces uterine contractions for the purpose of passing the aborted baby, often resulting in severe cramping and bleeding. The administration of these medications may vary based on regional laws and clinic protocols. Women opting for the abortion pill often have to self-manage some or all of the procedure, emphasizing the importance of gathering comprehensive information as you consider your pregnancy options.
To make sure you’re safe, here are a few things you can do ahead of time:
Make sure that you are pregnant.
Have you had a pregnancy test yet? If so, be sure you have had an ultrasound! Ultrasounds can give you important information that may reveal the abortion to be unnecessary in the first place.
Confirm your pregnancy is in your uterus.
The abortion pill will not typically end an ectopic pregnancy, and your life could be in danger if you do not receive immediate treatment for an ectopic pregnancy, so make sure you have had an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy is developing inside your uterus before seeking abortion services.
Know how far along you are.
Always ask for an ultrasound from a doctor or other qualified medical professional (registered nurse or sonographer) to ensure you’re pregnant, and within the 10 weeks, the FDA requires.
Not sure where to get an ultrasound? Call us today. We provide free and confidential ultrasounds.
Learn about the procedure.
Ask the abortion provider what their procedure is for chemical abortion.
Our center can offer education about abortion.
Know your options.
Making an abortion decision is not easy, and you do have alternatives. Educating yourself on all options is empowering.
Whenever you need us, we can help.
Stay safe.
Seek medical attention after an abortion if you have any of these symptoms:
Heavy bleeding — soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours
Severe abdominal or back pain
Fever lasting more than 24 hours
Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
If you’ve already taken the abortion pill, contact us for support resources.
If you have recently taken the abortion pill and are having regret, it may be possible to undo the effects of abortion drugs. Learn more here.
- Surgical Abortion
Aspiration Abortion, Dilation & Evacuation Abortion
A surgical procedure involves the removal of the fetus from the uterus via the vagina. Typically, this is accomplished using suction or a device called a curet. The specific method employed depends on the gestational age of your pregnancy (how far along you are). If you're uncertain about the stage of your pregnancy, reach out to us for a free ultrasound to confirm your dates.
The type of surgical abortion performed is contingent upon the stage of pregnancy. Suction abortion, also known as vacuum aspiration, is the most common method. Alternatively, Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) is another in-clinic abortion procedure typically utilized for pregnancies in the late second trimester.
Here are some steps to a typical surgical abortion:
Depending on how far along you are, dilators (rods) might be used to open the cervix before the abortion begins.
You will be positioned on the exam table as if you were about to receive a pelvic exam: lying on your back with your feet in stirrups.
The abortion provider will insert a speculum into the vagina.
The vagina and cervix will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
An injection of a numbing medicine (local anesthetic) will be administered to the cervix.
Occasionally, additional medication for pain or sedation will be administered. These are given by mouth or vein.
The abortion provider’s instrument will grasp the cervix to hold it in place for the procedure.
Your cervix will then be opened (dilated) with a small instrument.
A tube (cannula) will be inserted into the cervical canal, and suction will be used to remove the baby and pregnancy tissue from the uterus. During this process, the uterus will contract, which will cause cramping. Some women also may have nausea or sweating or feel faint.
Sometimes, a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure is needed after a vacuum aspiration if all of the tissue has not been removed. D&C uses a sharp surgical instrument to clear tissue from the uterus.
In order to make sure you’re safe, here are a few things you can do ahead of time:
Make sure that you are pregnant.
Have you had a pregnancy test yet? If so, be sure you have had an ultrasound! Ultrasounds can give you important information that may reveal the abortion to be unnecessary in the first place.
Confirm your pregnancy is in your uterus.
The abortion pill will not typically end an ectopic pregnancy, and your life could be in danger if you do not receive immediate treatment for an ectopic pregnancy, so make sure you have had an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy is developing inside your uterus before seeking abortion services.
Know how far along you are.
Always ask for an ultrasound from a doctor or other qualified medical professional (registered nurse or sonographer) to ensure you’re pregnant
Learn about the procedure.
Ask the abortion provider what procedure will be used for your abortion. You can ask as many questions as needed to understand the process.
Our center can offer education about abortion. Please get in touch with us today for an appointment.
Know your options.
Making an abortion decision is not easy, and you do have alternatives. Educating yourself on all options is empowering.
Stay safe.
Seek medical attention after an abortion if you have any of these symptoms:
Heavy bleeding - soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours
Signs of infection include headache, muscle aches, dizziness, or a general feeling of illness. Severe infection is possible without fever.
Severe pain in the abdomen
Hot flushes or a fever
Vomiting lasting more than 4 to 6 hours
Sudden abdominal swelling or rapid heart rate
Vaginal discharge that has increased in amount or smells bad
Pain, swelling, or redness in the genital area
Bleeding lasting longer than 2 weeks
New, unexplained symptoms
No menstrual period within 6 weeks
Signs and symptoms of depression.
Whenever you need us, we can help.
Next Steps
If you find yourself contemplating your pregnancy decision, please know that you're not navigating this journey alone. There's a multitude of options open to you, and here at our center, we're committed to having open, compassionate discussions about whatever choices you wish to explore—whether it's abortion, adoption, or parenting.
Understanding the intricacies of abortion, including its procedures, potential side effects, risks, complications, and alternative options, is crucial, much like any medical decision. If you're ready to share your situation with someone in a safe, confidential space, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to offer you the support and guidance you need.
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The Pregnancy Resource Center of West Plains does not provide or refer for abortion services. We provide education on abortion and alternatives. The information on this website is intended for general education purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional and medical advice.