What are the Different Types of Abortion?

Are you looking for answers for an unplanned pregnancy? Where do you begin? Are you eligible for an abortion? What are the risks? What will it cost? There are probably endless questions running through your head. 

Take a deep breath – you don’t have to figure this all out on your own. Every option before you now is a big decision that deserves lots of thought. Our team at Gianna’s Choice is here to help inform you about what’s next when considering your options.

Allow space and time now to research all the facts and think clearly about every option. There is time to find a way to make a decision you won’t regret. You deserve the facts.

What are the Types of Abortion?

If you are pregnant, it is important that you know as much as possible about the procedures before making an abortion appointment. We make no profit from any of your pregnancy or abortion decisions.  We are simply committed to providing you with all the information you need to make an informed choice about your unexpected pregnancy.

The type of abortion procedure done depends on the gestational age of a pregnancy, as medication abortion (the abortion pill method) is only for women 10 weeks pregnant and under. Surgical abortion is the only other abortion option for women over 10 weeks pregnant. 

A lab-quality pregnancy test and ultrasound are necessary to confirm this and other pregnancy details.

Medication Abortion (The Abortion Pill)

You may have heard of the abortion pill, also known as medication or chemical abortion. Medication abortion consists of two different powerful drugs – Mifepristone and Misoprostol.

Mifepristone blocks the womb from absorbing progesterone (a pregnancy hormone) and prevents the embryo from implanting. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and remove the pregnancy through the vagina.

Risks of Medication Abortion 

As with any medical procedure, there are possible side effects. Side effects vary from person to person and no two women’s experiences are alike.

Medication abortion comes with some risks. According to the Mayo Clinic, these risks include:

  • An ongoing pregnancy (if the procedure fails)
  • Incomplete abortion (which may need to be followed by surgical abortion)
  • Heavy and prolonged bleeding
  • Digestive system discomfort
  • Infection
  • Fever 

There is a belief that since this procedure is via a pill, it does not require a doctor’s supervision, but this is not true. As with all prescription medication, there are severe risks and side effects involved.

Have you started taking the abortion pill and are having second thoughts?

If you regret your decision after taking the first abortion pill, you may still be able to save your pregnancy, but time is of the essence! Contact Abortion Pill Rescue, 001-877-558-0333                                            

Surgical Abortion

There are two main types of surgical abortion: Dilation & Evacuation (D&E) and Dilation & Curettage (D&C). These procedures dilate your cervix and combine vacuum aspiration (suction) and other medical tools to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. 

A surgical abortion is performed at an abortion clinic. It’s vital to understand the risks of this procedure before deciding on this option.

Risks of Surgical Abortion

There are similar methods to both types of surgical abortion, so the risks are identical. Some of the risks include…

  • 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

We are here for you

Talk to a pregnancy advocate today at Gianna’s Choice to confirm your pregnancy with one of our pregnancy tests at no cost to you. We can help you navigate your pregnancy options.
Schedule a free and confidential appointment to learn how to take your best next step. 

What Are the Risks of Abortion?

Are you trying to decide what pregnancy option is right for you? Maybe you feel overwhelmed with the idea of parenting or adoption, and are contemplating what feels like your only other option: abortion. What are the risks of abortion?

With the serious medical procedure of abortion comes serious risks. Take time to understand all your options to make a confident decision for your future. 

What are the Types of Abortion?

Early Medication Abortion (the abortion pill)

There are two types of drugs used in the early medication abortion process to terminate a pregnancy: Mifepristone and Misoprostol. Early medication abortion is only effective for women up to 10 weeks pregnant.

The first drug, Mifepristone, works to block the progesterone hormone, causing thinning of the uterus and preventing the embryo from implanting and growing. Then, Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through the vagina.

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortions are performed at the abortion site and include anesthesia, dilation (opening) of the cervix, and multiple surgical instruments. If you are 11-13 weeks pregnant, a D & C (dilation and curettage) is done. This abortion procedure uses a vacuum and scraping tool to remove the pregnancy. 

If you are over 13 weeks pregnant, your cervix will be dilated too and a D & E (dilation and evacuation) done. Along with the vacuum and scraping tool, instruments like forceps are used to make sure every part of the pregnancy is removed.

The Risks of Abortion

According to the Mayo Clinic, here are potential risks of medication abortion:

  • Incomplete abortion (may need to be followed by surgical abortion)
  • An ongoing unwanted pregnancy (if the procedure doesn’t work)
  • Heavy/prolonged bleeding
  • Digestive system discomfort
  • Infection
  • Fever

According to the Mayo Clinic, here are potential risks of surgical abortion:

  • Perforation of the uterus
  • Damage to the cervix
  • Scar tissue on the uterine wall
  • Infection
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Cramping

What are Your Options?

The first step to knowing all your pregnancy options is to confirm your pregnancy! Even at-home pregnancy tests can be inaccurate at times. 

There is so much to know past a positive pregnancy test. Get a free pregnancy test and find out more today at our center.

Schedule a free and confidential appointment to get started and learn your options.