If you’re considering abortion for your unplanned pregnancy, it is essential to learn about the procedures, side effects, and potential risks. There are two main types of abortion: medication and surgical. The method you qualify for is determined by how far along you are in your pregnancy.
First Things First – Have You Confirmed Your Pregnancy?
You may think a late period and a positive pregnancy test are all you need to move forward with an abortion, but there is more to know. Make sure you’ve taken your pregnancy test correctly and get an ultrasound if it’s positive.
Free Pregnancy Test
Taking more than one pregnancy test is critical. Your body’s hormones are changing rapidly. Getting another test result is crucial to getting accurate answers. We provide free pregnancy tests.
Free Ultrasound On-Site Referrals
We have partnered with Turlock Pregnancy and Health Center (TPHC) to provide free on-site ultrasound scans. An ultrasound protects your health and safety. The following is what you learn from your ultrasound:
- How far along you are in your pregnancy (also known as the gestational age). You need this information to determine the abortion method you will have.
- If the pregnancy is growing with a detectable heartbeat or if you have had a miscarriage. Experts estimate that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. If you have miscarried, there is no need to pursue an abortion.
- The location of the pregnancy. Learning its location is essential to finding if the pregnancy is not growing in your uterus. It is called an ectopic pregnancy, which is a dangerous and life-threatening condition.
The Two Types of Abortion
Medication Abortion (also known as the abortion pill method)
The abortion pill method uses two drugs to terminate a pregnancy. The first drug, mifepristone, is highly regulated by the FDA. Only certified abortion providers can prescribe it.
The FDA has approved the use of the abortion pill drugs through 10 weeks of gestation only (70 days from the first day of your last menstrual period). The Mayo Clinic recommends not having a medication abortion after 9 weeks (56 days).
The drugs are less effective the further along you are in your pregnancy, and you run the risk of an incomplete abortion. The FDA also warns against using the abortion pill drugs if you have an ectopic pregnancy, which could lead to greater complications.
Surgical Abortion
The surgical procedure the abortion provider uses is determined by how far along you are in your pregnancy. Suction or vacuum aspiration terminates earlier pregnancies.
As your pregnancy progresses, the provider adds various surgical tools, such as a curette (a sharp scraping tool) and forceps to remove larger parts. Surgical procedures often require the use of instruments or medications to dilate (open) your cervix and some form of anesthesia.
How We Can Help You
We can provide additional information regarding the side effects of abortion and the potential physical and emotional risks. All appointments are free, including our pregnancy services.
Be sure to schedule pregnancy confirmation before arranging an abortion. We’re here to help you protect your health and safety.