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.