There are two main types of abortion: medical (also known as the “abortion pill” or medication abortion) and surgical. If you’re considering abortion, you might be tempted to rush into a decision, but it’s critical to take the time to learn all you can to protect your health. 

How Does Abortion Work?

Abortion is the process of terminating a pregnancy and removing it from your body, but this process looks different in medical and surgical abortions.

Medical Abortion

Medical abortion involves taking two powerful drugs.

The first drug, mifepristone, works by blocking progesterone. This hormone is necessary for pregnancy; without it, your uterine lining will loosen and shed, causing the pregnancy to detach and end.

The second drug, misoprostol, causes your uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy from your uterus and through your vagina.

The abortion drugs are only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is 10 weeks gestation or under. If you take the drugs and your pregnancy is later, you’re at a greater risk of experiencing complications, like incomplete abortion—which is when parts of the pregnancy remain in your uterus, and it can lead to a potentially life-threatening infection.

Other risks of medical abortion include: 

• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortions are performed in a clinical setting. The process involves dilating (opening) the cervix so that medical instruments—like scraping tools, suction, or even forceps—can terminate the pregnancy and remove it from the uterus.

Potential risks associated with surgical abortion include:

• Uterine perforation (which is when the surgical instruments poke a hole in the uterus)
• Uterine scarring (which can lead to painful periods or future infertility)
• Cervical damage
• Infection 

How to Protect Your Health

Before seeking an abortion, it’s essential to get an ultrasound. This simple scan can help protect your health by giving you the vital information you need—no matter what pregnancy decision you’re considering. 

At True Women’s Center, we offer no-cost, limited ultrasounds because we believe every woman deserves access to essential, life-saving services. If you’re pregnant and considering your options, don’t delay. Contact us to schedule a no-cost, confidential ultrasound appointment today.