Considering Abortion?
Maybe you are thinking of abortion while facing this unexpected turn in life. If you are considering abortion, it can be easy to be in a hurry. But it is helpful to slow down. Next, make sure that you get all the information that you need about your pregnancy and about all the options and resources that are available to you. It’s vital that you understand the different procedures and consider the risks that come with them.
In order to make an informed decision, you will want to learn more about prenatal development, abortion procedures, and potential risks that come with different procedures. Next Step does not provide or refer for abortion. We offer support and information in a judgement-free space. Our team is here to provide information you may need.
Abortion Procedures
There are various types of surgical abortion and medication abortion. Each type of abortion procedure has limitations regarding how far along in pregnancy it is allowed to be used. (Mifepristone: up to 11 weeks, Suction Aspiration: up to 14 weeks, Dilation and Evacuation: 15 weeks and beyond). Both surgical and medication abortion carry risks for the woman having an abortion.
Risks of Surgical Abortion
Physical risks of surgical abortion are something to consider. Some of the potential risks of surgical abortion include:
- Damage to the uterus or cervix
- Uterine perforation
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes
- Scarring of the inside of the uterus
- Reaction to the medicines or anesthesia, such as problems breathing
- Not removing all of the tissue, requiring another procedure
Risks of Medication Abortion
Medication abortion, also called the abortion pill, has many physical risks to consider as well. Some of the potential risks of medication abortion include:
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Pain
- Digestive system discomfort
- Infection
- Fever
- Incomplete abortion ( may need to be followed by surgical abortion)
- An ongoing pregnancy (if the procedure doesn’t work)
One Step at a Time
Ultimately the decision is up to you. If you are considering abortion, it’s important to know if you qualify for abortion. To know this, you will first need to confirm your pregnancy with lab-quality pregnancy testing and ultrasound. We offer free pregnancy testing at our center and referrals for no cost ultrasounds.
It’s important to get an ultrasound as you could be alerted of any possible pregnancy complications. These complications could include miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy (where the pregnancy grows outside of the uterus). If either one is present, abortion is not an option for consideration, and a different medical procedure will be done. It’s vital to your health to be aware of these right away.
Schedule an options consultation appointment today.