Abortion is a big decision and not one that should be made lightly. It may have severe emotional and physical consequences. We’ll review the side effects and risks of both types of abortion so you can make an informed decision.

Types of Abortion Procedures

The two main abortion procedures are medical and surgical abortion. Which one you’re eligible for depends on multiple factors, including how many weeks you have been pregnant and your overall health.

Medical abortion is FDA-approved for the first ten weeks of pregnancy (70 days from the first day of your last menstrual period). It uses two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, to end a viable pregnancy. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone that supports the pregnancy. Misoprostol causes uterine contractions and expels the pregnancy tissue through the uterus.

Common side effects are abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, but nausea, vomiting, headache, chills, fever, and diarrhea can occur. You are also at risk of developing complications such as:

• Infection
• Digestive system discomfort
• Fever
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• An incomplete abortion (which may require surgical treatment)
• An ongoing pregnancy if the medications don’t work

Surgical abortion is performed later in pregnancy and uses medications, surgical instruments, and suctioning to end the pregnancy. Abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding will also occur with this abortion method, but serious complications can occur:

• Infection
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall
• Uterine perforation
• Damage to the cervix

Before an Abortion

Before making any pregnancy decision, you should confirm your pregnancy with medical-grade testing and an ultrasound. New Hope Center offers these free and confidential services to those experiencing an unplanned pregnancy.

Sometimes, post-abortion mental health effects can result after an abortion. If you or someone you love struggles after an abortion, we are here to help. The center provides a compassionate after-abortion support program for our clients. We’ll help you find healing.

Receive the information you need. We’re here with the facts you deserve. Reach out today to learn about our services.