What are the Different Types of Abortion?

Your abortion options depend on a couple of different factors.  You will need to understand how far along you are to know what types of abortion you could be eligible for. 

In this blog, we offer medical information about the different types of abortion and how to confirm your pregnancy before making your decision.

How Far Along Are You?

The type of abortion procedure you may be eligible for simply depends on this question. Each abortion procedure is done at a certain point in pregnancy. Medical abortion is for women up to 10 weeks pregnant, according to the FDA.

1. Medical Abortion (The Abortion Pill)

Also known as the abortion pill, Medical abortion is an elective process that uses medication to end a viable pregnancy through a medication regimen. Due to the process of both drugs used, the embryo is detached from the uterus, cramping is induced, and it expels the embryo and pregnancy tissue out through the vagina.

Some of the risks of medical abortion include incomplete abortion, infection, heavy bleeding, fever, and digestive discomfort.

2. Surgical Abortion Procedures

There is more than one type of surgical abortion, typically done after the first trimester of pregnancy. Surgical abortion is an invasive procedure requiring a surgeon to remove the fetus from the uterus manually. 

Depending on how far along you are, you may qualify for a Dilation and Curettage (D&C) or a Dilation and Evacuation (D&E). 

There are surgical abortion risks to consider talking with a medical professional about beforehand. Surgical abortion risks can include the following:

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

What To Do Before An Abortion

There are a couple of important steps to take to ensure you’re protecting your health before an abortion. Be sure to not only take a reliable pregnancy test, but receive an ultrasound as well.

An ultrasound checks for an ectopic pregnancy, viability, and gestational age (which impacts your options). 

You deserve to know all the facts about your pregnancy and your options. Schedule a no-cost and confidential appointment with one of our healthcare professionals to learn where your pregnancy stands and talk about options, including abortion.

Focus on the step in front of you
not the whole staircase.