Considering Abortion?
The first thing to consider when deciding if an abortion is right for you is understanding the facts, so that you can make a knowledgeable decision.
Abortions are a medical procedure, meaning that there are health risks and implications associated. There are multiple options for an abortion, including the abortion pill and surgical abortions.
Plan B
Did you know that Plan B and the abortion pill are different? Plan B, also known as the “Morning After Pill,” is a high-dosage birth control pill that works by:
- Preventing the egg from attaching to the uterus
- Temporarily stopping the release of an egg from the ovary if ovulation has not already occured
- Preventing fertilization of an egg
Because the pill prevents a pregnancy from occurring, it can only be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse. Side effects of the pill include abdominal pain, interferences with the menstrual cycle, nausea, headaches, and vomiting. Taking Plan B if you are already pregnant will not be effective in terminating your pregnancy.
RU 486
RU 486 is typically referred to as the “Abortion Pill.” It differs from Plan B in that it terminates an existing pregnancy, instead of preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex. RU 486 refers to a series of two pills, mifepristone and misoprostol that end a pregnancy. Typically, the pill is prescribed to women up to 70 days after the beginning of your last menstrual cycle.
The first pill, mifepristone, is given to you at a doctor’s office and blocks progesterone, a hormone necessary to maintain a pregnancy. The second pill, misoprostol, is taken one to two days later to cause contractions of the uterus. This may cause severe cramping and bleeding.
Although RU 486 is 93 to 98 percent effective in ending a pregnancy, there is still a chance that you will need a surgical abortion to finish the process.
Surgical Abortions
There are two types of surgical abortions that must be performed in a medical clinic. The first surgical abortion procedure is called a vacuum aspiration, or suction procedure. A doctor will insert a vacuum into the cervix to remove the pregnancy from the body. The other abortion procedure, Dilation and Evacuation, involves dilating the cervix and using suction and medical tools to suck and scrape the contents out of the uterus.
Like any other medical procedures, there are risks associated with having an abortion. If you are considering an abortion, it’s important that you receive accurate, up-to-date information on each procedure and the health implications. At Abundant Life PRC, we can give you the resources you need, while educating you on your options. Make a free and confidential appointment today.