| Abortion is not just a simple medical procedure. For many women, it is
a life changing event with significant physical and emotional consequences.
Most women who struggle with past abortions say they wish they had been
told all of the facts and risks.
It is now the law; a women has the right to know. You can read the information below to learn more about abortion procedures and the associated risks. Make sure you are totally informed before making this important decision. Abortion Procedures Medical Abortions (non-surgical) Morning After Pill (MAP): within 72 hours of sexual intercourse Also known as "Emergency Contraception," this procedure consists of a pregnancy test and two doses of pills. The woman must first receive a negative pregnancy test result before taking the pills. Following the negative test result, the woman is instructed to take the first dose of the Morning After Pill as soon as possible within the first 72 hours after intercourse. Note: a negative result indicates that the woman is probably not pregnant from intercourse during her previous monthly cycle, but it will not show whether or not she just became pregnant (from intercourse the “night before”). The woman takes a second dose 12 hours after the first dose. If conception already occurred within the 72 hour time frame (that is the "night before"), the life is expelled. This is an early abortion. RU486, Mifepristone: within 4 to 7 weeks after LMP Also known as the Abortion Pill, this medical abortion is used for women who are within 28 to 49 days after of their last menstrual period. This procedure usually requires three office visits. The RU 486 or mifepristone pills are given to the woman who returns two days later for a second medication called misoprostol. The combination of these medications causes the uterus to expel the fetus. Risks associated with medical abortions • Cramping of the uterus or pelvic pain Suction Curettage within 6 to 14 weeks after LMP In this procedure, the doctor opens the cervix with a dilator (a metal rod) or laminaria (thin sticks derived from plants and inserted several hours before the procedure). The doctor inserts tubing into the uterus and connects the tubing to a suction machine. The suction pulls the fetus' body apart and out of the uterus. One variation of this procedure is called Dilation and Curettage (D&C). In this method, the doctor may use a curette, a loop-shaped knife, to scrape the fetal parts out of the uterus. Risks • Cramping of the uterus or pelvic pain Dilation and Evacuation (D&E): within 13 to 24 weeks after LMP This surgical abortion is done during the second trimester of pregnancy. Because the developing fetus doubles in size between the thirteenth and fourteenth weeks of pregnancy, the body of the fetus is too large to be broken up by suction and will not pass through the suction tubing. In this procedure, the cervix must be opened wider than in a first trimester abortion. This is done by inserting laminaria a day or two before the abortion. After opening the cervix, the doctor pulls out the fetal parts with forceps. The fetus' skull is crushed to ease removal. Risks • A hole in the uterus (uterine perforation) or other damage
to the uterus Dilation and Extraction (D&X): from 20 weeks after LMP to full-term Also known as Partial-birth Abortion, this procedure takes three days. During the first two days, the cervix is dilated and medication is given for cramping. On the third day, the woman receives medication to start labor. After labor begins, the abortion doctor uses ultrasound to locate the baby's legs. Grasping a leg with forceps, the doctor delivers the baby up to the baby's head. Next, scissors are inserted into the base of the skull to create an opening. A suction catheter is placed into the opening to remove the skull contents. The skull collapses and the baby is removed. Risks • A hole in the uterus (uterine perforation) or other damage
to the uterus Other Risks of Abortion Abortion may increase the risk of Breast Cancer Medical experts are still researching and debating the linkage between abortion and breast cancer. However, a 1994 study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found: "Among women who had been pregnant at least once, the risk of breast cancer in those who had experienced an induced abortion was 50% higher than among other women." Here are other important facts: 1. Carrying a pregnancy to full term gives protection against breast
cancer that does not occur if the pregnancy is aborted. Abortion May Effect Risk Levels in Future Pregnancies Scarring or other injury during an abortion may prevent or place at risk future wanted pregnancies. The risk of miscarriage is greater for women who abort their first pregnancy. Abortion May Increase the Risk of Emotional Problems Some women experience strong negative emotions after abortion. Sometimes this occurs within days and sometimes it happens after many years. This psychological response is known as Post-Abortion Stress (PAS). Several factors that increase the risk of Post-Abortion Stress include: the woman's age, the abortion circumstances, the stage of pregnancy at which the abortion occurs, and the woman's religious beliefs. Post-Abortion Stress Symptoms • Guilt Know Your Options You have the legal right to choose the outcome of your pregnancy. But real empowerment comes when you find the resources and inner strength necessary to make your best choice. Here are some other options. Parenting Choosing to continue your pregnancy and to parent is very challenging. But with the support of caring people, parenting classes, and other resources, many women find the help they need to make this choice. Adoption You may decide to place your child for adoption. Each year over 50,000 women in America make this choice. This loving decision is often made by women who first thought abortion was their only way out. Help Is Available Facing an unexpected pregnancy can seem overwhelming. That is why knowing where to go for help is important. Talk to someone you can trust. We are here to walk along side you as you explore all your options. Call today for an appointment. All services are free and confidential. 210-614-4124 |