Take a moment to explore the details and understand your options. How much do you know about the different abortion procedures?
Medical Abortion
A medical abortion involves taking two types of medication, typically within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. The first drug, mifepristone, works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is needed for the pregnancy to continue, causing the embryo to detach from the uterine lining. A day or two later, a second drug, misoprostol, is taken to trigger contractions, similar to labor, which expels the pregnancy tissue from the body. This process can take several hours to a day and may involve heavy bleeding and cramping, similar to a miscarriage.
Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion is performed in a clinic and involves the use of medical instruments to end the pregnancy. Depending on the stage of pregnancy, procedures like manual vacuum aspiration (up to 10 weeks) or dilation and curettage (6–14 weeks) may be used. In these methods, a doctor uses a suction device to gently remove the embryo or fetus from the uterus, and sometimes a small tool called a curette to ensure the uterus is fully emptied. For later pregnancies, a dilation and evacuation procedure may involve additional tools, like forceps, to carefully remove the fetus.
Induction Abortion
An induction abortion is generally used in the second or third trimester, often for medical reasons such as severe health risks to the mother or fetus. This procedure begins with an injection of a medication, such as digoxin, into the fetus to stop its heartbeat before the process starts. Following this, the cervix is softened with medication, and labor is induced using drugs like misoprostol to deliver the fetus. This process can take several hours to a day and is similar to a stillbirth, often involving significant physical and emotional challenges due to the later stage of pregnancy.
We recognize that facing an unexpected pregnancy can feel overwhelming, and you might wish for a quick solution. However, it’s important to understand that each abortion procedure results in the loss of a developing human life. If you’re feeling uncertain or need someone to talk to, we’re here to provide compassionate support and guidance—please reach out to us.
