Understanding Your Options

If you’re considering abortion, you deserve clear, factual information before making your decision. Our team is here to answer your questions honestly so you can make an informed choice that protects your health and long-term well-being.

Women’s Clinics does not perform or refer for abortions, but we offer no-cost, confidential consultations for women who are actively considering abortion. Before making a decision, gather all the facts and ensure you have a clear understanding of this option.

Types of Abortion

There are two primary abortion methods: medical abortion (the abortion pill) and surgical abortion. The type available to you depends on how far along you are.

Medical Abortion (Abortion Pill)

A medical abortion uses two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.

• Mifepristone blocks progesterone, the hormone needed for the pregnancy to continue.
• Misoprostol, taken afterward, causes uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy.

It is FDA-approved through 10 weeks of pregnancy and causes vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping, which can be severe, as the drugs end and expel the pregnancy.

Common side effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever or chills
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Abdominal pain

Potential risks:

• Heavy or prolonged bleeding
• Digestive complications
• Infection
• Fever
• Incomplete abortion (may require a surgical procedure)

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion is performed in a clinic or hospital setting by dilating the cervix and manually ending and removing the pregnancy using a mixture of suction and scraping. Abortion providers often use a scraping or suction device called a curette, and sometimes they use forceps.

Common side effects:

• Abdominal cramping
• Spotting or light bleeding

Possible risks:

• Uterine perforation
• Cervical injury
• Infection
• Scar tissue that can impact future fertility

The risks increase as a woman progresses further in her pregnancy, so it’s crucial to learn everything you can about these procedures and consider your specific health history. Additionally, either local anesthesia or sedation may be used, which comes with additional risks to think about.

Why Ultrasound Matters First

Before having an abortion, it’s critical to confirm:

• Gestational age (how far along you are)
• Viability (if the pregnancy is progressing)
• Location of the pregnancy (to rule out ectopic pregnancy)

Women’s Clinics offers no-cost limited ultrasounds for patients with a positive pregnancy test who are considering an abortion as part of our pre-abortion consultations.

Pre-Abortion Consultations

If you’re thinking about abortion, we strongly encourage a free consultation before scheduling any procedure. You will receive an ultrasound and can talk with our medical team about:

• The results of your ultrasound
• Risks and side effects
• What to expect during and after
• STD/STI testing to prevent long-term complications

You do not have to make this choice alone. Schedule your no-cost, confidential appointment today.