Abortion can happen in one of two ways: medical (also known as the “abortion pill”) or surgical.
Your pregnancy’s gestational age and your medical conditions/situation are the main factors that determine which type of abortion you’re eligible for.
Medical abortion involves two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. These drugs are powerful and usually taken at home without the oversight of a physician (although, sometimes, you may take the first pill in an abortion provider’s office).
Mifepristone is taken first. It blocks progesterone, which starts the abortion process. Without this critical hormone, your uterine lining will loosen and shed, and your pregnancy will eventually detach and end.
Misoprostol is taken next. It causes your uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy out through your vagina.
After taking these drugs, you will inevitably experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. In some cases, this can be severe. You might also witness the expelled embryo or fetus, which can be distressing for some women.
The abortion drugs are only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is 10 weeks gestation or under. And if you take these drugs when your pregnancy is further along, you’re putting yourself at a greater risk for experiencing complications, like incomplete abortion (which is when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in the uterus).
Surgical abortion is typically performed later in pregnancy in a clinical setting.
The surgical abortion process involves dilating the cervix so that medical instruments can enter the uterus to remove the pregnancy. Earlier in pregnancy, strong suction and scraping tools are used. Later in pregnancy, other instruments like forceps are used to remove larger parts of the pregnancy.
Uterine perforation is one of the main risks of surgical abortion. This is when one of the abortion instruments pokes a hole in your uterus, and it can lead to painful menstrual periods or future infertility.
Getting an ultrasound is the most important step to take if you’re considering an abortion. This scan can help reveal your pregnancy’s gestational age (which refers to how far along your pregnancy is), location, and viability (whether your pregnancy is progressing as expected).
At Clearway Clinic, we offer these services free of charge, because we believe that you deserve to have the information you need to make a safe, informed decision. We also provide Pregnancy Options Consultations, which give you a safe space to ask questions and get answers.
You’re not alone. Contact us today to learn about all the ways we’re here to support you.
Amazing clinic that empowers women during unexpected pregnancies. The staff is incredibly friendly. They offer free ultrasounds, pregnancy and STI tests.
What a lovely team of kind professionals at Clearway Clinic! My visit was so smooth. I highly recommend this place!
I went to the clinic for a scan and some tests. The staff was so professional and welcoming. I was guided and supported through the entire process. I would highly recommend the clinic for their expertise, professionalism, and high standard of care.
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