What Are the Two Safest Types of Abortion?

June 28, 2021

If you’ve recently discovered you’re pregnant and are wondering about your pregnancy options, you’ve come to the right place! 

Here at Women’s Care Medical Center, we believe every woman and pregnancy situation is unique. Because of this, it’s important to take the time to learn about your options and the risks associated with each and make a choice that’s right for you and your pregnancy.

I’m Pregnant — What are my abortion options? 

Medical Abortion

Medical abortion also referred to as the abortion pill, is a two-step abortion process.

First, the patient is administered the drug Mifepristone in order to prevent the body from producing progesterone, a natural hormone that the pregnancy uses to progress and receive nourishment. Without progesterone, the pregnancy ends. 

Once the pregnancy has ended — usually within 24 to 48 hours — the patient will take Misoprostol. This drug causes contractions, which will kickstart a process of cramping, bleeding, and expelling the pregnancy tissue from the uterus.

It’s important to note that the abortion pill can only be taken in the first 70 days or 10 weeks of pregnancy.

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortions come in various forms, depending on the stage and size of the pregnancy. Regardless of the type of surgical abortion, the abortion provider will start by dilating the cervix and will then remove the pregnancy tissue either through a suctioning or scraping technique.

Surgical abortions can be performed from the first trimester on, until the legal limit in the state where the abortion is taking place. 

What Are the Two Safest Types of Abortion?

Because there are various risks and side effects related to all abortion procedures and every woman and pregnancy is different, it’s a challenge to determine what types of abortion procedures are the safest.

With that said, before you make a decision regarding your pregnancy, it’s important to educate yourself on the risks you may face and undergo the necessary pre-abortion screenings in order to maximize your safety and protect your health in the process. 

Abortion Pill Side Effects and Risks

The abortion pill is typically accompanied by side effects, such as cramping, bleeding, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. Additionally, women have experienced more severe health risks related to taking the abortion pill including sepsis, infections, and hemorrhaging.

If left unaddressed, these conditions can lead to long-term, if not fatal consequences.

Surgical Abortion Side Effects and Risks

Surgical abortion procedures are typically accompanied by some side effects, such as abdominal cramping, heavy bleeding, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Women have also reported other more serious health consequences following surgical abortions, such as damage to the cervix, perforation of the uterine lining, infections, sepsis, and hemorrhaging.

How Do I Know if Abortion is Safe for Me? 

Before you proceed with an abortion procedure, it’s vital that you undergo pre-abortion screenings, including pregnancy testing, an ultrasound scan, and STD testing, all provided for free at Women’s Care Medical Center.

These medical screenings will help confirm you’re pregnant with a viable pregnancy and identify various health concerns so you can make the best and safest choice that’s right for you.

We also provide free options counseling, medical and community referrals, material assistance, and educational resources to ensure you have all of the information and resources you need to make an educated choice for your pregnancy.

You deserve to make an informed and safe choice for your pregnancy — schedule your free appointment today!