Abortion

Considering abortion?

Like every other medical procedure, abortion has side effects and risks. If you’re considering abortion, you deserve to know the procedures, potential risks, and what to expect.

What are the different types of abortion?

There are two main types of abortion: medical and surgical. The length of your pregnancy determines your procedure.

The FDA has approved the use of the abortion pill up to 70 days from the first day of your last menstrual period. An ultrasound helps date your pregnancy with more accuracy.

Medical Abortion

A medical or medication abortion uses drugs to end a pregnancy. The abortion pill method is a medical abortion that uses two drugs over a 24 to 48-hour period.

Every developing embryo needs a vital hormone called progesterone to continue growing. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks the uterus from absorbing progesterone which terminates the pregnancy.

The second drug, misoprostol, causes contractions, so you expel the pregnancy and tissue from your body through the vagina.

Side Effects and Potential Risks

All drugs have potential side effects and risks. Even aspirin can cause stomach bleeding or kidney failure. No medicine is completely safe. The abortion pill is no different. According to the Mayo Clinic, these are the side effects you should expect:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Abdominal cramping
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Diarrhea

Some potential risks include:

• Incomplete abortion may need to be followed by a surgical procedure
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortions are performed in clinics and are more involved. There are several surgical abortion methods based on the age of your pregnancy. Some procedures require dilating (opening) your cervix for the pregnancy to pass through. You may also need some anesthesia for pain.

A Vacuum Aspiration uses a suctioning tool to remove the pregnancy. With the dilation and curettage (D & C) method, a vacuum device and a scraping tool are used for suctioning and scraping out the contents of the uterus. Dilation and evacuation (D & E) also uses suctioning and scraping devices but can require forceps to remove larger parts of the pregnancy.

Side Effects and Potential Risks

Common side effects of a surgical abortion include:

• Cramping
• Bleeding
• Nausea
• Feeling tired or faint

Potential Risks

Some potential risks include:

• Perforation of the uterus
• Damage to the cervix
• Scar tissue to the uterine wall
• Infection

Current Requirements For Abortion in North Carolina

• You must receive state-directed counseling and wait 72 hours before the procedure is provided.
• The use of telemedicine to administer medication for abortion is prohibited.
• A patient must undergo an ultrasound before obtaining an abortion.
• Public funding is available for abortion only in cases of life endangerment, rape, or incest.
• The parent of a minor must consent before an abortion is provided.

Before An Abortion

If you’re considering abortion, visit us first. We provide the pregnancy test and ultrasound you need for free. We can discuss your risks and your options. We are here to serve you.