What is Abortion?

January 8th, 2023

Abortion is a medical procedure to end a pregnancy. You owe it to yourself to get complete and accurate medical information. There are two types of abortions, a medical abortion and a surgical abortion. If you’re considering an abortion, you have a legal right to be fully informed before making any decision.

If you think you may be pregnant, you must do two things before making a decision regarding your pregnancy:

1. Take a pregnancy test

2. Confirm the pregnancy’s viability with an ultrasound

At Options Mankato, we offer both of these services free of charge and completely confidential. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome.

What is a Medical Abortion?

A medical abortion is commonly referred to as the “abortion pill.” A medical abortion is not one pill, but two. One pill ends the pregnancy, and the other pill causes cramping so your body expels the pregnancy.

It’s important to have an ultrasound before you have a medication abortion. If you take the abortion pill at the wrong time, it can be ineffective. The ultrasound determines if you have a viable intrauterine pregnancy, and it can rule out an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. If you have an ectopic pregnancy, the abortion pill won’t impact the pregnancy, and your health will be at risk. The ultrasound measures how far along you are in your pregnancy and if it’s viable. A viable intrauterine pregnancy means the pregnancy is in the right location and a heartbeat is detected.

Side Effects & Risks of a Medical Abortion

Like any medical procedure, abortion has possible side effects and risks. Some of the potential side effects of the abortion pill are:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Fever

• Chills

• Diarrhea

• Headache

These are the potential risks:

• An incomplete abortion (especially as you get closer to the 70-day cutoff)

• Heavy and prolonged bleeding

• Infection

• Fever

• Digestive system discomfort

What is a Surgical Abortion?

A surgical abortion is a procedure that removes the fetus and placenta from the mother’s womb. It’s important to note that a surgical abortion is not the same as a miscarriage. A miscarriage occurs when a pregnancy ends on its own. Just like a medication abortion, it’s important that you take a pregnancy test and confirm the pregnancy’s viability with an ultrasound before the procedure takes place. For a surgical abortion, a blood test is required to check for your blood type.

During the procedure, the opening to the uterus is dilated and a suction tube is placed into the uterus. Suction is used to remove the fetus, placenta, and related pregnancy material.

What are the risks?

Some of the potential risks of a surgical abortion are:

• Perforation of the uterus

• Damage to the cervix

• Scar tissue on the uterine wall

• Infection

Emotional Side Effects and Risks of Abortion:

Along with physical risks, an abortion presents other emotional risks as well. Any event that causes trauma can result in PTSD, and abortion is no exception. While some may be relieved after an abortion, others may struggle with complicated feelings, otherwise known as post-abortion stress syndrome.

Post-abortion stress syndrome symptoms may include:

• Sadness

• Anger

• Guilt/emotional pain

• Sexual dysfunction

• Difficulty maintaining relationships

• Memory repression

• Increased alcohol and drug abuse

• Flashbacks

• Long-term grief

• Anniversary reactions

• Suicidal thoughts

If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms, we can help. Contact us today to make your appointment to talk to one of our trusted staff members. At Options Mankato, we engage with hope and unconditional support.

Evidence Based Education

If you are considering an abortion, you have a legal right to be fully informed before making any decisions. At Options for Women | Mankato, you will find a safe, 100% confidential environment to share your concerns with one of our trusted staff members. We will listen to your thoughts and concerns as we walk this road together. We also provide no-cost pregnancy testing. If you receive a positive test result, our credentialed nurse sonographer can also perform a no-cost ultrasound to tell you how far along your pregnancy is. We are here for you - there is hope!

Please note that we do not offer or refer for abortions. However, we are committed to providing evidence-based medical education about abortion procedures and risks. Make your confidential appointment today to discuss your options.

Cited Sources: Mayo Clinic, Medline Plus