What Are the Different Types of Abortion?

Abortion comes in two primary forms: surgical and medical (also referred to as the “abortion pill”). However, the type of abortion you can receive depends on many different factors. 

If you’re considering abortion, it’s essential to learn all you can to protect your health and ensure that you make an informed decision. 

Read on to learn more about the different types of abortion. Or, if you want to talk to someone in person, contact ALC Pregnancy Resource Center today to connect with one of our caring team members. All appointments and resources are free and confidential. 

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion is usually performed in a clinic or hospital setting. It involves dilating the cervix so that medical devices—including suction and scraping tools—can enter the uterus to terminate and remove the pregnancy.

The risks of surgical abortion include:

  • Perforation of the uterus (which happens when the medical instruments poke a hole in your uterus)
  • Uterine scarring
  • Cervical damage
  • Infection  

Medical Abortion (The Abortion Pill)

Medical abortion involves taking two different, powerful drugs at home. These drugs work together in succession to terminate the pregnancy and then expel it from the uterus through the vagina.

After taking the drugs, you will experience abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. There are also risks to consider:

  • Incomplete abortion
  • An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
  • Heavy and prolonged bleeding
  • Infection
  • Fever
  • Digestive system discomfort

Importance of an Ultrasound

Medical abortion is only FDA-approved through the first ten weeks of pregnancy, so it’s essential to know the age of your pregnancy before seeking an abortion.

Receiving an ultrasound is a simple way to learn the age of your pregnancy, and it can also identify the location of your pregnancy—which is essential for ruling out a potentially life-threatening ectopic pregnancy. 

Next Steps

At ALC Pregnancy Resource Center, we offer free limited ultrasounds and other pregnancy resources that can help you feel empowered to make an informed decision—and protect your health in the process.

Facing an unplanned pregnancy can stir many difficult emotions, but you’re not alone. We’re here for you. Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential appointment.