Abortion

Knowledge is power. You can make an informed decision by knowing all you can about your options. Calaveras Pregnancy Center does not perform or refer for abortions, but we will provide helpful information to guide you through your available options. 

There are two main types of abortion: medication (also known as the “abortion pill”) and surgical. 

Medication Abortion

A medication abortion involves taking two different drugs in succession: mifepristone and misoprostol.  

Mifepristone is taken first, sometimes in the abortion clinic. It works by blocking progesterone in your body, a hormone essential for a healthy pregnancy. Without progesterone, your pregnancy will end.

Misoprostol is taken next. It works by causing the uterus to contract. This contracting eventually expels the pregnancy from the uterus through the vagina.

In addition to vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping, you might experience:

• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Chills

There are also potential risks associated with the drugs, which include:

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

Medication abortion isn’t FDA-approved beyond 70 days gestation, and it’s also not recommended if you have certain medical conditions or can’t get to an emergency room if needed. This is why speaking with a medical care provider before considering this option is vital.

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion involves dilating (opening) the cervix so that medical instruments can enter the uterus and remove the pregnancy (through a mix of suction and scraping). This type of abortion is performed in an abortion clinic or hospital setting.

After this type of abortion, you may experience mild cramping and light bleeding. Although less common, there are also associated risks that can be severe. These risks include:

• Uterine perforation (which is when one of the medical instruments pokes a hole in your uterus)
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall
• Damage to the cervix
  
• Infection

Confirm Your Pregnancy at Our Center

Are you considering abortion? Pregnancy confirmation can protect your health and safety and give you confidence.

If you’ve already received a positive result on a pregnancy test, getting an ultrasound is essential. An ultrasound will reveal the key information you need to stay safe.

We offer free pregnancy tests and on-site ultrasound referrals in a confidential, non-judgmental environment. Contact us today. We’re here for you.