Abortion is a permanent, life-changing decision that terminates a pregnancy. At Aggieland Pregnancy Outreach, we believe it’s a woman’s right to be as informed as possible before making this choice. That’s why we talk about abortion.
With so much information online and in the media about abortion, it can be challenging to know where to begin. This is why we’ve compiled the essentials you need to know about abortion.
How Does Abortion Work?
There are two main types of abortion: medical and surgical.
Medical Abortion
A medical abortion (also known as the “abortion pill”) involves taking a combination of two powerful drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol.
The first drug blocks progesterone in your body. This hormone is essential for sustaining a pregnancy. Without it, your uterine lining will loosen and shed, and the pregnancy will detach, become starved for nutrients, and eventually end.
The second drug causes uterine contractions that expel the pregnancy from the uterus and out through the vagina.
Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion involves the dilation of the cervix so that medical instruments (like strong suction, scraping tools, and sometimes forceps) can enter the uterus and remove the pregnancy.
What Happens After an Abortion?
After taking the medical abortion drugs, you will experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. Some women have reported that the pain was unexpectedly severe. Furthermore, you will pass the pregnancy at home, and this can be distressing for some women.
After both medical abortion and surgical abortion, you may experience a risk, which can include injuries to the internal organs, blood clots, or serious infections.
Furthermore, abortion has been linked to mental health risks, including depression, grief, anxiety, thoughts of suicide, and more.
How Can I Protect My Health?
If you’re pregnant and thinking and considering abortion, it’s essential to get an ultrasound. This scan will give you key details about your pregnancy to help determine your eligibility for certain abortion procedures. (For example, before seeking a medical abortion, you need to know your pregnancy’s gestational age, and an ultrasound will give you this information.)
At Aggieland Pregnancy Outreach, we understand what you’re going through—and we’re here for you. We offer free, limited ultrasound referrals and a safe space to explore your options and ask questions. Contact us today to schedule your confidential appointment.
*All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.