Abortion is a serious medical decision. Maybe you never imagined you would be facing a decision like this. All the complicated emotions you’re feeling right now are valid. Educating yourself and having all your questions answered is an important step. Knowledge is empowering and allows you to make an informed decision about your unplanned pregnancy confidently. The following information will be helpful if you’re considering abortion.
Abortion Pill
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the abortion pill through 70 days (10 weeks) of pregnancy. A medical/chemical abortion procedure uses two drugs to terminate a pregnancy. The first medication ends the pregnancy by blocking the hormone progesterone. This causes the fetal heart to stop and the pregnancy to detach from the uterine lining. Up to 48 hours later, the second medication is taken, which causes strong uterine cramping to expel the embryo/fetus and pregnancy tissue.
Before Taking The Abortion Pill
We recommend scheduling a pregnancy screening and ultrasound appointment for your health and safety.
A pregnancy screening appointment is critical because it reduces risk to your health and equips you with information unique to you and your pregnancy so you can make a fully informed decision.
A pregnancy screening appointment includes time with our licensed medical staff, a medical-grade pregnancy test, a limited obstetrical ultrasound, and STI/STD testing. The four essential purposes for this appointment are:
- Confirming that you have a viable pregnancy.
- Determining gestational age and available options.
- Testing to be sure you don’t have an STI (sexually transmitted infection).
- Supporting you and answering all of your questions.
To protect your emotional, psychological, and physical health, before proceeding with an abortion it is important to have all the information mentioned above.
Side Effects and Risks
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the side effects of a medical/chemical abortion are:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Intense cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Like all medical procedures, medical/chemical abortion does have risks. The Cleveland Clinic also reports the following risks of medical/chemical abortion:
- Allergic reaction to the abortion medications
- Incomplete abortion
- Heavy bleeding that will not stop
- Infection
- Fever
- Diarrhea and digestive pain
