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What Are the Immediate Physical Risks of Abortion?

May 28, 2024

Chances are, if you're reading this, you're walking through a time of significant decision-making. If abortion is an option you're considering, it's critical to learn all you can about how it works and the risks to ensure you're making a fully informed decision. 


This article will highlight the essentials you need to know about abortion and the potential immediate risks. But if you’re looking to talk to someone about your pregnancy options or learn more about free support resources,
contact Collage today to schedule a free, confidential appointment. 


How Does Abortion Work?

There are two types of abortion: medical and surgical.


Medical abortion
relies on taking medication to induce abortion. The most common is the abortion pill, which uses a combination of two drugs. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks the progesterone hormone that is needed for a pregnancy to continue, which ultimately results in the embryo’s death. The second drug, misoprostol, causes your uterus to contract, expelling the pregnancy out of your vagina.


Surgical abortion
is the process of dilating (opening up) your cervix so that medical instruments can enter your uterus to terminate and remove the pregnancy. Earlier in pregnancy, suction and scraping tools are used, while later in pregnancy, forceps are used to remove fetal parts.


What Are the Risks of Abortion?

Abortion, like any medical or surgical procedure, carries several different risks. Due to the fact that many women don’t report their abortion, there is limited information about complications, but the resources available report some of the following risks and side effects:


Medical Abortion:

• Incomplete or failed abortion

• Heavy and prolonged bleeding

• Undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy

• Infection

• Fever

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea


Surgical Abortion:

• Incomplete abortion

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Organ damage


How Can I Protect My Health?

No matter what option you’re considering, an ultrasound is the only way to confirm if a pregnancy is viable, meaning it’s located in the uterus (not ectopic) and if a heartbeat can be detected. It also lets you know exactly how far along your pregnancy is. This is important to determine which type of abortion would be an option for you.


At Collage, we offer free, limited ultrasounds because we believe you deserve to have access to the information you need to protect your health. If your pregnancy test is positive at our center, after a brief medical assessment, we’ll determine if we can offer you an ultrasound.


Contact us today
to schedule your free, confidential appointment. You’re not alone in this. We’re here for you.

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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