If you are pregnant unexpectedly and considering abortion, it’s important to understand what happens during the process. Are clinic abortions safe? While they involve medical care and supervision, there are still risks. Understanding the risks involved and the procedure itself will help you determine the best choice for your pregnancy to make the safest and most informed decision for your health.
What Is a Clinic Abortion?
A clinic abortion is also known as a surgical abortion. These procedures occur in a clinic or doctor’s office under the care and supervision of a medical team. In contrast, medical abortions refer to abortions that use administered medications, which a medical provider does not directly observe. In a clinic abortion, you would undergo an abortion procedure at a clinic. However, since these abortions involve surgery, there are definite risks to consider, much like any medical procedure.
Clinic Abortions Procedure
Clinic abortions usually refer to late first-trimester and early second-trimester procedures. You may be prescribed medication like misoprostol to soften your cervix ahead of time – sometimes up to a day in advance.
The most common types of surgical abortion include suction abortion and dilation and evacuation (D&E). Suction abortion involves a tool to suction the baby and the womb’s contents out. D&E procedures are usually performed if you are over 14 weeks of pregnancy. In this procedure, the provider will manually dilate the cervix and use the suction tool afterward. Typically, you will undergo mild anesthesia during these procedures.
Clinic Abortion Risks
Like at-home abortions, there are risks to clinic abortions. The first thing to remember is that clinic abortions involve surgical procedures, which always come with a level of risk. Some of the other risks of clinic abortion include:
- Infection
- Allergic reaction
- Incomplete procedure
- Pain and heavy bleeding
- Fever
- Emotional distress
- Damage to cervix
As with any medical procedure, it is essential to understand your risks before deciding. There are many options and alternatives to in-clinic abortions. If you need more information on alternative choices, our staff can help.
Costs of In-Clinic Abortion
Abortions are not free, and the cost is a factor to consider. The cost generally depends on how far along your pregnancy is when you have the abortion. Therefore, the cost and risks are significant components to consider before scheduling a procedure.
An Important Decision
The decision to have an abortion is a life-altering one. It’s important to understand the risks and information about the procedure ahead of time. If your pregnancy is unplanned, you might feel like you have no other options, but they do exist. Clearway Clinic can help you make an informed decision about abortion and unplanned pregnancy. Click here to schedule your free consultation with our medical team at Clearway Clinic.