What to Know If You're Considering an Abortion

Having an abortion is a major medical decision with side effects and risks. Become as informed as possible beforehand to avoid physical and emotional consequences. We can help you. 

Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we’re happy to sit down with you and discuss abortion procedures, side effects, and potential risks. Your health and well-being matter to us. Schedule an appointment with us first.

How Do Abortion Providers Decide Between Methods?

There are two basic abortion methods: medical and surgical. Usually, how far along you are in your pregnancy determines which method a provider uses.

Determining when you got pregnant can be difficult, and studies show that period tracker apps aren’t that reliable. The most reliable method of determining how far along you are is with ultrasound. 

Get a Free and Confidential Limited Ultrasound

At Hope Clinic for Women, we provide a limited OB Ultrasound free of charge when you receive a positive pregnancy test at our clinic. 

Not only do you learn the number of weeks you have been pregnant, but ultrasound also determines if your pregnancy is developing and its location is correct. 

What Is a Medical Abortion?

A medical abortion is also known as the abortion pill method. It uses two drugs over a 24 to 48-hour period to end a pregnancy. The FDA approves using these abortion drugs through 10 weeks of pregnancy only. The farther along you are, the less effective the drugs are. 

Side Effects and Risks

According to the Mayo Clinic, side effects include nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, diarrhea, and headaches. They list the following as some of the risks:

• The body doesn’t release all pregnancy tissue. It is also known as an incomplete abortion.
• An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work.
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding.
• Infection.

What Is a Surgical Abortion?

Abortion providers perform surgical procedures in a clinic or hospital. Surgical abortions often involve either local or general anesthesia and dilation (opening) of the cervix. The provider may use suction, a scraping tool, or forceps, depending on how far you are in your pregnancy.

Side Effects and Risks

Bleeding and cramping are side effects of all abortions. The Mayo Clinic lists the following as possible risks:

• Perforation of the uterus (poking a hole)
• Damage to the cervix
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall
• Infection

What Else Do I Need to Know?

There is also the possibility of a negative emotional response to an abortion. Most women say they feel immediate relief following their abortions, but some experience mental health issues within weeks, months, or even years later. Mental health issues can range from sadness and guilt to depression. 

Schedule a Free and Confidential Appointment

Free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds are available by appointment. Call (760) 728-4105 or fill out our convenient online contact form. Depending on availability, we also accept walk-in appointments.

We care about you, and we want you to have as much information as possible. Let’s discuss your situation and how we can help.

All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.