If you are considering abortion, you will first need to confirm your pregnancy with lab-quality pregnancy testing and an ultrasound. Every medical procedure, including abortion, carries the risk of complications. You have the legal right to give fully informed consent. You also have the right to:
- Get an explanation of the abortion procedures available
- Assess the risks and side effects, and
- Learn about other options for your pregnancy.
Abortion is your choice—you can change your mind at any time before the procedure starts. This is a decision that you will live with for the rest of your life. Don’t allow anyone to pressure you.
The Abortion Pill
Also known as a medical abortion, the abortion pill method consists of two different drugs to terminate an existing pregnancy: mifepristone and misoprostol. First, mifepristone works to block the uterus from absorbing progesterone. This prevents the embryo from implanting and growing.
Misoprostol is taken 24–48 hours later, which causes the uterus to contract and removes the pregnancy through the vagina. Medical abortion is only recommended for women up to 10 weeks pregnant. After that point in time, a surgical abortion would be necessary.
Risks of The Abortion Pill
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Surgical Abortion
There are two abortion procedures commonly used in the second trimester: the D&C and the D&E. Each comes with similar risks.
D&C: Dilation & Curettage
Dilation and curettage is done during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. During a dilation and curettage, small instruments (or a medication) are used to dilate the uterus (cervix). A surgical instrument called a curette is then used to remove uterine tissue.
D&E: Dilation & Evacuation
During this procedure, a vacuum suction is inserted into the uterus, and forceps and other medical tools are used. A curette instrument is used to scrape the inside of your uterus, and a vacuum is used to remove all remaining parts of the pregnancy.
Risks and Side Effects
- Nausea, bleeding and cramping may occur for two weeks following the procedure
- Infection due to retained remains of the pregnancy and related tissues, an STD, or bacteria, can cause fever, pain, abdominal tenderness, scarring, and in some cases, death.
- Damage to uterine lining or cervix
- Perforation of the uterus
- Infertility
- Infection
- Blood clots
Confirm Your Pregnancy Options
The state of North Carolina actually requires pregnancy testing and obtaining an ultrasound before an abortion can be performed. To determine if you are eligible for abortion, confirm your pregnancy with free and confidential pregnancy testing and an ultrasound at our center.
We are here to help and offer all you need to make a confident pregnancy decision.
We do not perform or refer for abortions.
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