An unplanned pregnancy can feel disorienting. If you’re sorting through your options, you’ll want to begin by addressing a few questions, including how far along you are, types of abortion, and laws in your state. Keep reading to learn about your abortion options!

What are the Types of Abortion? 

There are two types of abortion—abortion pills (or a medical abortion) and a surgical abortion. Your eligibility for either type depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy. Next, you need to consider the cost and risks. 

What is the Abortion Pill? 

The abortion pill is also called medical abortion, chemical abortion, RU-486, or at-home abortion. 

The abortion pill involves two medications. The first medication, mifepristone, interferes with the pregnancy’s progesterone receptors and prevents the pregnancy from developing. The second medication, misoprostol, causes the uterus to cramp and expel the pregnancy.[1]

How Late Can I Take the Abortion Pill?

The FDA has approved the abortion pill for up to 10 weeks of pregnancy.[2] 

The abortion pill becomes less effective the further along you are.[3] Taking it too late also increases your risk for serious side effects. For example, one study found that women who took the abortion pill beyond 10 weeks experienced heavy bleeding, fevers, and needed surgery to complete their failed abortions.[4]

What are the Risks of the Abortion Pill? 

The abortion pills can cause cramping and bleeding for up to four weeks.[5] Complications after taking the first abortion pill (mifepristone) can include prolonged bleeding, an infection, an allergic reaction, or an incomplete abortion, which could require further medical intervention.[6] 

Women should always receive follow-up care to evaluate for any complications after an abortion. 

What is a Surgical Abortion? 

Surgical abortions are usually performed by dilation and evacuation (D&E). Before the procedure, the doctor will dilate (open) the cervix. This can be done in the following ways[7]:

• The day before the procedure, the doctor inserts sponge-like sticks into the cervix. Over time, they will absorb moisture, expand, and open the cervix.
• The night before the procedure, the doctor may give you medication to soften the cervix, making it easier to expand.

Once the cervix is dilated enough, the abortion provider will insert a cannula (tube) into the uterus. The cannula is attached to a bottle and pump, which suctions out the tissue in the uterus. The abortion provider will then use forceps (large, rounded tweezers) to remove any remaining tissue.[8]

What are the Risks of a Surgical Abortion? 

Complications from a surgical abortion can include bleeding, infection, and pain. In some cases, the surgical abortion is incomplete, so an additional procedure is required. In rare cases, surgical abortions could perforate the uterus or surrounding organs.[9] Multiple surgical abortions could lead to scarring within the uterus which could cause infertility in the future.[10]

What Do I Need to Do Before an Abortion?

Before an abortion, we strongly encourage you to receive an ultrasound. This will determine how far along you are and whether your pregnancy is viable.

It’s important to know how far along you are (also known as your gestational age), as you can’t take the abortion pill past 10 weeks of pregnancy (as mentioned earlier).

A viable pregnancy means that the pregnancy is progressing properly. For example, at about 6 ½ – 7 weeks gestation, the embryo should have a detectable heartbeat.[11] The goal is to rule out a nonviable pregnancy, such as a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy—in either case, abortion isn’t needed.

Abortion Information in Klamath Falls, OR

As you consider what to do next, take one step at a time. The compassionate staff at Pregnancy Hope Center will provide you with the information you need so that you can make the best decision for you!

Give us a call at (541) 883-4357 or schedule your appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge! 

Please be aware that Pregnancy Hope Center does not provide or refer for abortion services. 

Sources

1. Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Medical Abortion. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21899-medical-abortion
2. FDA. (2023, January). Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation?sm_guid=NTU1NzgyfDYzMDE1OTM2fC0xfGppbUBha2ZhbWlseS5vcmd8NTY4OTI4MXx8MHwwfDE5OTYwMDk4OHwxMDg2fDB8MHx8NTQ3NzI2fDA1
3. Kapp, N., Andersen, K., Griffin, R., Handayani, A. P., Schellekens, M., & Gomperts, R. (2021, January 25). Medical abortion at 13 or more weeks gestation provided through telemedicine: A retrospective review of services. Contraception: X. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7881210/  
4. See source #3. 
5. See source #2.
6. See source #2.
7. Understanding Dilation and Evacuation (D&E). Saint Luke’s Health System. (n.d.). https://www.saintlukeskc.org/health-library/understanding-dilation-and-evacuation-de 
8. See source #7.
9. Mayo Clinic. (2023, November 7). Dilation and curettage (D&C). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dilation-and-curettage/about/pac-20384910
10. Yvonne Butler Tobah. (2022, August 4). Could an elective abortion increase the risk of problems in a subsequent pregnancy? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/abortion/faq-20058551
11. Fetal Development. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, March 3). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7247-fetal-development-stages-of-growth 

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