Abortion Information

 

Abortion: What You Need to Know

Deciding to have an abortion is a big, life-changing choice. It ends a pregnancy, and you deserve all the facts so you can make the decision that’s right for you and your life. There are two main options: the abortion pill (medical abortion) and surgical abortion.

The Abortion Pill

The abortion pill involves taking two medications over 1–2 days. While it’s non-surgical, there are some risks, including:

  • The abortion is not being fully completed, which may require a surgical procedure
  • The pregnancy continues if the pill doesn’t work
  • Heavy or prolonged bleeding
  • Infection
  • Fever
  • Stomach or digestive discomfort

Side effects can include vaginal bleeding, cramping, nausea, vomiting, chills, diarrhea, headache, and fever.

How it works:

  • Mifepristone – This first pill blocks progesterone, a hormone your body needs to sustain a pregnancy, which causes the pregnancy to stop.
  • Misoprostol – The second pill triggers uterine contractions, helping expel the pregnancy tissue, usually with cramping and bleeding.

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy in a clinic or hospital. It’s more invasive than the abortion pill. Common procedures include D&C (dilation and curettage) and D&E (dilation and evacuation).
Potential risks may include:

  • Uterus perforation
  • Cervix injury
  • Scar tissue inside the uterus
  • Infection
  • Hemorrhaging

Types of surgical procedures:

  • D&C – The provider gently dilates the cervix and removes the pregnancy tissue using suction or a small instrument called a curette.
  • D&E – Usually done in the second trimester, this procedure is similar to D&C but may use larger instruments like forceps.

Protect Your Health

Before any abortion procedure, it’s important to:

  • Get an ultrasound scan
  • Get tested for STIs
  • Talk to a nurse about your health history

Call 336-677-1014 to schedule a free, pre-abortion screening and get the support and information you need. Text a nurse anytime at 336-443-6244 for immediate answers and help.