Abortion

Considering An abortion?

Abortion is a major decision, and women consider it for many reasons. You have the power to make the best decision for you and your future. We are here for you. Let’s discuss all your options. Contact Loving Choices to make an appointment for a free pregnancy test and free ultrasound.

Do You Know You’re Pregnant?

If you are considering getting an abortion, there are a lot of questions to consider before deciding what to do. Are you actually pregnant? A positive result on a pregnancy test isn’t enough information.

You need information that only an ultrasound can give.

Free Ultrasound

An ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image of the inside of your uterus. Why is that important? Up to 20% of known pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. An ultrasound reveals whether you have a viable (growing) pregnancy or miscarried.

There’s no need to schedule an abortion if you’ve miscarried. You can still get a positive pregnancy test days or weeks after a miscarriage.

Knowing how far along your pregnancy is and where it’s located is additional information you learn from an ultrasound. The gestational date (when your pregnancy began) is vital because it determines whether you will have a medication or surgical abortion.

We offer free ultrasounds when you get a positive test result at Loving Choices.

Abortion Types

There are two main types of abortions, medication (RU-486) and surgical. Which method you have is determined by how far along your pregnancy is.

The FDA has approved medication abortion if you’ve been pregnant 70 days or less from the first day of your last menstrual period.

Anything later than 70 days will require a surgical abortion.

Medication Abortion

Medication abortion is also called the abortion pill and RU-486. This abortion method involves taking two drugs over a 24 to 48-hour period.

The first drug blocks the uterus from absorbing the hormone progesterone. A growing pregnancy needs progesterone to continue growing. By blocking the hormone, the pregnancy ends.

The second drug causes cramping and bleeding as the uterus contracts to expel the pregnancy.

According to the Mayo Clinic, these are the side effects and potential risks of medication abortion:

• Incomplete abortion
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever and chills
• Digestive discomfort and diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache

Surgical Abortion

The number of weeks you’ve been pregnant determines the type of surgical abortion you receive. Obviously, the farther along you are in your pregnancy, the more invasive and expensive the procedures become.

Procedures range from vacuum (suction) aspiration in the first trimester to dilation and evacuation (D & E) in the later months.

A D & E uses suction, a scraping tool called a curette, and, if necessary, forceps to pull out more significant parts of the pregnancy.

Some risks of a surgical abortion include:

• Perforation of the uterus
• Damage to the cervix
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall
• Infection

Emotional Side Effects

There are emotional and psychological side effects to any abortion method. Although many women express relief at first, sadness and grief can take over later.

Some women claim their abortions caused loss of self-esteem, feelings of isolation, relationship problems, and sleep problems. Some women turn to substance abuse, and others even consider suicide.

Talk With Us First

Talk with us about specific procedures and what you can expect before you schedule anything. Please call, email, or visit one of our centers. We will respond as soon as we can during regular office hours.

If you have already experienced an abortion and are suffering from the emotional effects, we offer a confidential abortion recovery program. We promise to walk alongside you through your healing.