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What Are the Different Types of Abortion?

August 7, 2024

We understand the decision concerning abortion is complex and personal. Knowing the different types of abortion procedures is essential for making informed decisions about your health. In this blog, we'll cover the various methods available to help you gather information about your situation. 


Learning about these procedures can help you better protect your health and make the right choice for you.


Medical Abortion

A medical abortion is the process of using drugs to end a pregnancy. Commonly referred to as the “abortion pill,” a medical abortion actually uses two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. 


Mifepristone works by blocking the hormone progesterone. 24-48 hours later, you would then take misoprostol to cause uterine contractions and expel the pregnancy from the vagina.


Medical abortion is only
FDA-approved through ten weeks gestation (how far along you are). These drugs are typically prescribed at a clinic and taken at home.


If you have a medical abortion, you will have vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. You may also experience fever, chills, headache, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. 


The
risks of medical abortion include:


  • Infection
  • Digestive system discomfort
  • Heavy, prolonged bleeding
  • Fever
  • An ongoing pregnancy (if the procedure fails)
  • An incomplete abortion (which may need to be followed by a surgical abortion) 

Surgical Abortion

A surgical abortion uses a combination of drugs, medical instruments, suction/vacuuming, or forceps to remove a pregnancy from the uterus. 


Surgical abortions are performed in a clinic setting or hospital later in pregnancy. You will likely spend a few hours afterward in a recovery room to check for excessive bleeding and complications.


The
risks of a surgical abortion include:


  • Infection
  • Damage to the cervix
  • Scar tissue on the uterine wall (which can lead to absent, painful periods or future infertility)
  • Perforation of the uterus

Before Seeking An Abortion

It’s crucial to get informed not only about the risks abortion can pose to your health but also detailed information about your pregnancy and status. There are a variety of circumstances where you might not be eligible for an abortion. 


At Collage, we offer free and confidential pregnancy services, such as lab-quality pregnancy testing and limited OB ultrasounds, because we believe you deserve to have access to the information you need to protect your health. 


You’re not alone in this. We’re here for you.
Make an appointment today.

February 13, 2025
If you’re thinking about abortion, an ultrasound is a crucial step to gather essential information about your pregnancy. It provides key details that can help determine which options are available to you and ensures your health and safety as you make this important decision. At Collage , we offer free limited OB ultrasounds to give you the clarity and support you need, as well as more information on your pregnancy options. Ultrasounds During Pregnancy An ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your body. These images provide vital insights into your pregnancy, helping you make an informed decision. Here are three critical pieces of information an ultrasound can reveal: 1. The Location of Your Pregnancy An ultrasound can confirm if your pregnancy is located in the uterus. Sometimes, a pregnancy can implant outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that cannot result in a live birth and requires immediate medical attention to avoid a life-threatening situation. Even if you’re considering abortion, identifying an ectopic pregnancy through ultrasound is essential to protect your health. 2. How Far Along You Are (Gestational Age) Understanding how far along you are is critical for determining which abortion options you can access. For example, the abortion pill is FDA-approved only for pregnancies up to ten weeks gestation. If your pregnancy is further along, a surgical abortion would be the alternative option available, depending on the circumstances. Period-tracking apps can estimate gestational age, but they lack the accuracy of an ultrasound, which can precisely date your pregnancy. 3. Whether Your Pregnancy Is Progressing Not all pregnancies continue as expected—approximately 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. An ultrasound can detect if a miscarriage has occurred so you can follow up with the appropriate care plan. Protect Your Health As you can see, an ultrasound is an essential step in protecting your health and understanding your options. You deserve to make an informed and confident decision and the free limited OB ultrasounds Collage provides will help you to do just that. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Our care and support are designed to help you through this crucial time. Let us be a source of strength for you.
January 2, 2025
Following the 2024 election, many people have questions about Nebraska's abortion laws and whether the state has enacted a complete ban. Abortion is not entirely banned in Nebraska. A proposed measure to add abortion to the state constitution failed during the 2024 election, while a separate measure that enshrined the current 12-week ban passed. What is the Law? The state currently allows abortion up to 12 weeks but with specific exceptions for certain circumstances. These exceptions include: Cases of rape or incest. Medical emergencies where the life of the mother is at risk or where continuing the pregnancy would result in irreversible physical harm. The legislation aims to balance restrictions with considerations for the health and safety of women under exceptional circumstances. What Does This Mean for Women in Nebraska? For women facing an unexpected pregnancy, Nebraska’s current abortion laws mean you have to be aware of the status of your pregnancy, especially for those who may not meet the legal exceptions. It’s important to seek timely medical confirmation of your pregnancy to understand your options. If you are unsure about how far along you are or have concerns about your pregnancy, seeking an ultrasound and professional advice can help clarify your situation and determine your next steps. Looking for Pregnancy Support? If you’re navigating an unexpected pregnancy and need support, Collage is here to help. We offer no-cost pregnancy services, including pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, and information on your options in a compassionate and confidential environment. Our team is dedicated to empowering women by providing accurate information and resources tailored to your needs. Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we can give you medical-based details on this option and others. You don’t have to face this alone. Contact Collage today to schedule your appointment and get the support you need during this time. * All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
December 4, 2024
Sharing the news of an unexpected pregnancy with your family can feel overwhelming. You might be navigating a whirlwind of emotions—fear, uncertainty, or even guilt—while wondering how your loved ones will react.
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