Medical Abortion

Known as the abortion pill, medical abortion is completed in the first trimester of pregnancy. The first drug, mifepristone, works to terminate the early pregnancy by keeping the womb from absorbing progesterone, a hormone necessary for the pregnancy to grow.

The second drug, Misoprostol, expels the pregnancy via uterine cramping and contractions. Medical abortion is FDA-approved through the first 70 days of gestation. An ultrasound will be needed to determine precisely how far along you are in your pregnancy to determine if you’re eligible for this type of abortion.

Common risks of medical abortion include:

• Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by a surgical abortion

• An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the abortion pill doesn’t work

• Digestive system discomfort

• Heavy and prolonged bleeding

• Infection

• Fever

Surgical Abortion

One type of surgical abortion is dilation and curettage (D&C). This procedure involves small tools or medication used to open the cervix, and a surgical instrument is used to remove the embryo and pregnancy tissue. 

Another surgical abortion type is dilation and evacuation (D&E), which uses D&C techniques, surgical instruments, and a vacuum to remove the embryo and pregnancy tissue.

Since surgical abortions are similar in nature, there are similar risks, including:

• Infection/fever

• Uterine perforation

• Cervical injury

• Development of scar tissue

• Uterine rupture

• Uterus not contracting

Protecting your health and safety is what matters most. Before an abortion, it’s essential to understand if you qualify through pregnancy confirmation. We offer pregnancy services—including no-cost pregnancy testing and limited obstetric ultrasounds—so that you can get clarity.

We’re here to listen and share more about your potential options. Our caring team is available to equip you for whatever’s next in your path.