What are the Different Types of Abortion?

Before An AbortionThere’s a lot to know before you walk into an abortion clinic. Did you know up to 20% of known pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage? Experts say the percentage could be as high as 31% because most women miscarry before they even realize they’re pregnant. There’s no point in scheduling an abortion if you’ve already miscarried. How can you be sure you’re pregnant? Is there a way to determine the gestational age? If you’re unsure about a possible miscarriage or how long you’ve been pregnant, the abortion clinic will recommend an ultrasound. In Abilene, ultrasounds are an average of $128. At Pregnancy Resources of Abilene, we offer ultrasounds for free.  Once you’ve had an ultrasound, you’ll know if you’re actually pregnant and how long you have been pregnant. Those two factors determine what type of abortion you have, medical or surgical.

A Medical AbortionThe abortion pill is a medical abortion. It’s called a medical or chemical abortion because it uses two drugs to terminate a pregnancy.  In some states, a woman qualifies for a medical abortion if she’s been pregnant for 70 days or less since the first day of her last menstrual period. That sounds confusing, doesn’t it?  One cannot legally obtain an abortion in Texas after seeing a heartbeat. All the more reason for an ultrasound. Every pregnancy needs a hormone called progesterone to grow normally and thrive. The first drug in the abortion pill method blocks the uterus from absorbing progesterone so the pregnancy can no longer survive. The second drug causes contractions to expel the pregnancy from the body.

Side Effects and Risks of Medical Abortion

1. An incomplete abortion requiring further drugs or surgery

2. Heavy and prolonged bleeding

3. Intense cramping

4. Infection 

A Surgical AbortionWhen the gestational age is over 70 days, the abortion provider will discuss your options, including a surgical abortion. The farther along your pregnancy is, the more invasive the procedures become.  Two types are called a D & E (dilation and evacuation) and a D & C (dilation and curettage). With each procedure, the abortion provider dilates (opens) your cervix. They then use a combination of a vacuum, scraping tools, and possibly forceps to remove the pregnancy.  

Side Effects and Risks of Surgical Abortion

1. Perforation of the uterus

2. Damage to the cervix

3. Scar tissue

4. Infection

We’re Here For YouChoosing abortion is a big decision. Not only can you have physical consequences, but there could be emotional problems too. Would you like to talk to someone? We’re available. Get the facts you need about abortion procedures and all of your other options. Come in and see us for free pregnancy testing. We’re ready to help you make a confident decision. Contact us today.