Unsure of where to turn next in your pregnancy journey? We are here to educate you about all your options, including the facts about abortion.

With such a serious procedure comes risks to consider. 

What are the Different Types of Abortion? 

There are two types of abortion: medical and surgical abortion. In the first trimester, medical abortion is completed for women up to 10 weeks pregnant. Anything further than this will require a surgical abortion procedure.

Medical Abortion 

Also called the abortion pill, medical abortion involves a series of two powerful drugs over a 24 to 48-hour period.

The first drug taken in a medical abortion, Mifepristone, blocks the womb from absorbing progesterone, thinning the lining of the uterus and preventing the embryo from growing. The second drug, Misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expels the pregnancy.

Risks of Medical Abortion

The Mayo Clinic shares the potential risks of medical abortion (the abortion pill), including:

  • Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
  • An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
  • Heavy and prolonged bleeding
  • Infection
  • Fever
  • Digestive system discomfort

Surgical Abortion

This type of abortion procedure involves anesthesia, dilation (opening) of the cervix, and different surgical instruments.

If you are pregnant between 11 and 13 weeks, a D&C (dilation and curettage) is done using a vacuum and scraping tool to remove the pregnancy. 

If you are past 13 weeks pregnant, a D&E (dilation and evacuation) abortion is done. In addition to the vacuum and scraping tool, instruments like forceps are used to make sure each part of the pregnancy tissue is removed.

Risks of Surgical Abortion

The Mayo Clinic shares the potential risks of surgical abortion, including:

  • Perforation of the uterus
  • Damage to the cervix
  • Scar tissue on the uterine wall
  • Infection
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Cramping

Get Answers Today

Get answers about your pregnancy before deciding on abortion. Be sure to confirm your pregnancy with lab-quality pregnancy testing and an ultrasound.

Queen City Pregnancy Resource Center provides free pregnancy services and information on abortion. We educate, support and empower women facing unplanned pregnancies with professional medical care. 

If you think you may be pregnant or considering abortion, we’re here to help! No cost and no insurance needed. Call 980-999-5191 to schedule an appointment to skip the wait.