What Are The Different Types Of Abortion?

A surprise birthday celebration is exciting. A surprise pregnancy is completely different. You might feel shocked, fearful, or even angry. If you’re thinking about abortion for your unplanned pregnancy, make sure you understand the different types of procedures, side effects, and possible risks. 

You owe it to yourself to get the facts about abortion. At ALC Pregnancy Resource Center, all of our pregnancy services are free and confidential, even the opportunity to sit and chat. Make your appointment today and let’s get the conversation started.

What Are The Different Types of Abortion Procedures?

The two types of abortion procedures are medical and surgical. Before you can make your appointment, you need to have more information about your pregnancy. We can help you.

Which Abortion Procedure Do I Qualify For?

The type of abortion method you can have is determined by how far along your pregnancy is. Medical abortion is only available to women who have been pregnant for 70 days or less from the start of their last menstrual cycle. 

If you’re not positive about how long you’ve been pregnant, we can provide an ultrasound at no cost, if you qualify. Ultrasound will also show if your pregnancy is progressing or you’ve had a natural miscarriage (up to 20% of pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage). Schedule an ultrasound with us to be sure.

Two Types of Abortion Methods

Once you definitely know how far along you are, you’ll know what procedure you qualify for. 

Medical Abortion

A medical abortion (the abortion pill) uses two different drugs to terminate your pregnancy. In Kentucky, a physician must be physically present with the patient to perform or induce an abortion by law. The use of telehealth is prohibited for medical abortion. 

The first drug works to thin the lining of the uterus preventing the pregnancy from staying implanted. The second drug is taken 24- 48 hours later to start contractions to expel the pregnancy. 

Side Effects and Potential Risks:

According to the Mayo Clinic, these are the side effects and potential risks you might expect with a medical abortion:

  • Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
  • An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
  • Heavy and prolonged bleeding
  • Infection
  • Fever, chills, diarrhea
  • Nausea and vomiting 

Surgical Abortion

The type of surgical abortion procedure you can have is determined by how long you’ve been pregnant. Surgical abortion methods include Vacuum Aspiration, dilation and curettage (D & C), and dilation and evacuation (D & E). The farther along you are in your pregnancy, the more invasive the procedures are. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, these are the side effects and potential risks you might expect with a surgical abortion:

Side Effects and Potential Risks:

  • Cramping possibly lasting 48 hours
  • Spotting or bleeding possibly becoming heavy enough that you need to change pads every hour
  • Lasting dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Fever possibly leading to infection
  • Pain that gets worse instead of better
  • Perforation of the uterus
  • Damage to the cervix
  • Scar tissue on the uterine wall

What’s Your Next Step?

Confirm your pregnancy with a free pregnancy test at ALC. If you qualify, we’ll also provide you with an ultrasound scan at no cost. After you have the information you need, we can sit down and chat about abortion procedures and your other options for your unplanned pregnancy.

Make your appointment today. We’re here for you.