Abortion
If you are considering abortion, you will want to know what the risks are and what to expect. There are two types of abortion procedures: medical abortion and surgical abortion.
Medical Abortion (The Abortion Pill)
Also known as the abortion pill, medical abortion consists of two drugs that are ingested to end a pregnancy. Certain risks and complications associated with this serious medical procedure should first be discussed with a medical professional so that you can make an informed decision.
The Risks of Medical Abortion
The risks of a medical abortion include an incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion, and an ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work. Other risks include:
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Since many medical abortions happen at home, it means that women are responsible for monitoring their health if complications arise. Knowing when to call emergency services can potentially be life saving.
Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion typically happens after the first trimester, using small instruments to dilate the uterus, and remove the pregnancy manually with surgical instruments.
The Risks of Surgical Abortion
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
Before An Abortion
The Mayo Clinic states, “Making the decision to have an abortion might not be easy. Consider seeking support from your partner, a family member, or a friend as you think about your options. Talk with your health care provider to get answers to your questions, help you weigh alternatives, and consider the impact the procedure may have on your future.”
Getting an accurate pregnancy test result and ultrasound is important to ensure the pregnancy is located in the right place and doesn’t pose a risk to your health. As different abortions are done at different times of pregnancy, an ultrasound will provide more details on what options are available.
We’re Here for You
Make an appointment today to confirm your pregnancy with our no-cost pregnancy services and support. We can inform you more about abortion and the risks so you feel confident in your pregnancy decision.
Pregnancy Tests
If you take a pregnancy test early, there may not be enough hCG present and you may get a false negative. Try to wait at least one day after the first day of your missed period.
Limited Ultrasound
A fetal ultrasound is a procedure done during pregnancy that reveals an image of the pregnancy in the uterus. It’s a safe way to check the health of a potential pregnancy. The ultrasound may be done either on the woman or patient's abdomen (trans-abdominal) or in the vagina (trans-vaginal).
Material Resources
Whether you want to learn more about your pregnancy or need help preparing for parenting, Crossroads offers material support when you attend our no-cost prenatal and parenting classes. We want to help you find the materials you need to feel supported and equipped for this season.
Pregnancy Tests
If you take a pregnancy test early, there may not be enough hCG present and you may get a false negative. Try to wait at least one day after the first day of your missed period.
Limited Ultrasound
A fetal ultrasound is a procedure done during pregnancy that reveals an image of the pregnancy in the uterus. It’s a safe way to check the health of a potential pregnancy. The ultrasound may be done either on the woman or patient's abdomen (trans-abdominal) or in the vagina (trans-vaginal).
Material Resources
Whether you want to learn more about your pregnancy or need help preparing for parenting, Crossroads offers material support when you attend our no-cost prenatal and parenting classes. We want to help you find the materials you need to feel supported and equipped for this season.
