Abortion Information

Before Considering an Abortion

If you suspect you might be pregnant and are facing the difficult decision of what to do next, you’re not alone. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, and options like abortion may be on your mind. Our center is here to guide you, offering support as you weigh your choices. We understand how challenging this time can be, and we’re committed to providing the information and care you need.

Before making any decisions about abortion, it’s essential to first confirm your pregnancy. Missing your period or experiencing other pregnancy symptoms can have various causes, so a pregnancy test is the first step. We offer free, confidential pregnancy tests at our center and are here to answer any questions you may have during your visit.

If your pregnancy test is positive, it’s crucial to have an ultrasound to verify important details about your pregnancy. An ultrasound can confirm if your pregnancy is viable (meaning the baby has a heartbeat and is developing), determine how far along you are, and confirm whether the pregnancy is in the uterus, as an ectopic pregnancy requires immediate medical attention. This step is vital before making any decisions, as it affects your options.

Reach out to us today to schedule your free ultrasound and discuss your options. We’re here to support you every step of the way in a confidential, non-judgmental environment.

The Abortion Pill (Medication Abortion, RU-486, Mifepristone)

Medication abortion is an option for terminating a pregnancy early, typically up to 11 weeks of pregnancy. Known by several names, including RU-486 and Mifepristone, this method uses two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary to sustain a pregnancy. Afterward, misoprostol induces labor-like symptoms, such as cramping and bleeding, to expel the pregnancy.

Before considering a medication abortion, it’s critical to confirm that you’re indeed pregnant with a reliable test and ultrasound. A medication abortion will not be effective if the pregnancy is ectopic (outside the uterus), which can be life-threatening.

Here are some important things to consider before making your decision:

• Confirm your pregnancy: Have you had a pregnancy test and an ultrasound? We offer free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds to confirm your pregnancy and determine how far along you are.
• Understand your options: A medication abortion is one choice, but it’s not your only option. It’s essential to explore all alternatives, including adoption or parenting.
• Stay informed: Ask the provider about the procedure, risks, and side effects. We can provide education on the abortion pill and other choices available to you.

If you choose to proceed with a medication abortion, make sure to seek medical attention if you experience any of the following complications: heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, foul-smelling discharge, or other signs of infection.

Surgical Abortion (Aspiration or Dilation & Evacuation)

Surgical abortion involves a procedure to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. There are different methods depending on the stage of pregnancy, with suction abortion (vacuum aspiration) being most common. Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) is another option for pregnancies beyond 16 weeks.

Typical steps in a surgical abortion include:

• Preparing the cervix for dilation.
• Inserting a speculum and cleansing the area.
• Administering anesthesia or pain relief.
• Using suction or other instruments to remove pregnancy tissue.

Before undergoing a surgical abortion, it’s crucial to confirm your pregnancy with a test and ultrasound, and to understand how far along you are. We can help with this.

If you experience any of the following symptoms after a surgical abortion, seek medical attention immediately:

• Heavy bleeding (soaking two pads per hour for two hours).
• Severe abdominal pain.
• Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or body aches.
• Unusual vaginal discharge or swelling.

Next Steps

Facing a pregnancy decision is difficult, but you don’t have to make it alone. Whether you’re considering abortion, adoption, or parenting, we’re here to help you explore all of your options and provide the resources you need. If you want to learn more about abortion procedures, side effects, risks, and alternatives, contact us today. We offer confidential, compassionate care to support you in making the best decision for you.