Medical Abortion
A medical abortion, often called the abortion pill, uses medication to end a pregnancy. This method typically involves two drugs: mifepristone, which blocks the hormone progesterone, causing the pregnancy to detach; followed 24–48 hours later by misoprostol, which induces uterine contractions to expel pregnancy tissue.
How it works:
- Mifepristone is taken first, either in a clinic or at home.
- Misoprostol is usually taken several hours or days later, and the body naturally expels the pregnancy.
When it’s used:
- Approved by the FDA for up to around 10 weeks (70 days) of pregnancy.
Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion involves a clinical procedure to remove the pregnancy directly from the uterus using suction, scraping tools, or forceps.
Common methods:
- Vacuum (suction) aspiration: typically used up to ~16 weeks of gestation.
- Dilation & Curettage (D&C): scraping the uterine lining.
- Dilation & Evacuation (D&E): used in the second trimester; involves dilation followed by suction and forceps to remove fetal tissue.
Risk Factors
Medical Abortion Risks:
- Incomplete abortion, possibly requiring surgical follow-up.
- Ongoing pregnancy if the medication does not work.
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding.
- Infection or fever.
- Digestive discomfort (e.g., nausea, diarrhea)
Mifepristone may also cause cramping and bleeding for around two weeks, and a follow-up visit (usually 7–14 days later) is essential to confirm completion.
Surgical Abortion Risks:
- Heavy bleeding or bleeding that doesn’t stop.
- Infection.
- Damage or perforation of the uterus.
- Injury to the cervix.
- Scar tissue formation (e.g., Asherman syndrome), which could affect future fertility or menstrual cycles.
- Possibility of needing another procedure if pregnancy remains.
- Bleeding, infection, uterine perforation, retained pregnancy tissue, or cervical lacerations are rare but possible.
Get the Facts
First Choice Clinic will help you learn about your pregnancy and the essential steps to the decision-making process. We offer various no-cost services, including ultrasounds and options information, to equip you with the facts.
An unexpected pregnancy can feel daunting, so we’re here to help. Schedule a confidential appointment today.
First Choice Clinic does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing. This post is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personal guidance.