Abortion

If you are thinking about abortion, we are here to help you sort through all of your questions and concerns. There is a lot to know before you make a decision, and we are here to help you every step of the way.

Know your options, make an informed choice. Read on to learn more about the abortion process, and contact us when you are ready to talk through your options.

Methods of Abortions

Chemical Abortion (Abortion Pill):

Gestational Age: Up to 10 Weeks

  • The abortion pill is actually a series of two drugs. The first (mifepristone) is taken at a clinic. This blocks the progesterone (a natural hormone) that is keeping the pregnancy alive.
  • The second pill (misoprostol), is taken at home 48 hours later. It causes strong contractions, expelling the pregnancy. This can happen within a few hours or a few weeks of taking the pill.
  • An exam by a health provider should be done 7-14 days later to check for tissue remaining in the uterus, an unrecognized ectopic pregnancy, or other complications.
  • Side effects can include nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, and headaches. 1 in 12 women experience bleeding lasting longer than 30 days, and 1 in 100 women require hospitalization.

If you are considering taking the abortion pill, read “6 Questions About the Abortion Pill – Answered” for answers to common questions about its process, safety, and efficacy.

 

If you have taken the first abortion pill and have changed your mind, there is still a chance to save your pregnancy. You still have a choice. Call the APR hotline right away (877) 558-0333, or visit abortionpillreversal.com for more info.

Surgical Abortion: Suction Dilation and Curretage

Gestational Age: 13-16 Weeks

  • Local or general anesthesia is administered.
  • The abortionist inserts a series of dilators through the cervix to enlarge the canal.
  • A hollow plastic tube is attached to a suction machine and inserted into the uterus. The machine is turned on and suction continues until the pregnancy and placenta are removed.
  • The uterus is then scraped with a loop-shaped instrument to ensure it has been emptied completely.
  • Antibiotics are given, and if the woman is Rh negative, a Rhogam shot should be administered.
  • Risks and possible side effects include cramping and nausea, heavy or prolonged bleeding, damage to the cervix, and infection.

Depending on your circumstances, other surgical methods may be used.

Informed Consent Before Abortion

An ultrasound is the best way to get all the information you need before making a decision about your pregnancy. An ultrasound will tell you how far along you are, can determine that the pregnancy is located in the uterus, and will check for fetal viability. For more information, check the links below.​ If you wish to set up an appointment, see free Ultrasound services for details.

Importance of Ultrasound Before Abortion

What to Expect at Your Ultrasound Appointment

Schedule Appointment

 

Potential Risks

As with any procedure, it’s important to asses the risks, options, and alternatives. Abortion procedures may have various side effects including bleeding, infection, incomplete abortion, uterine scarring (which raises the risk of future infertility), and damage to the cervix. It has been associated with preterm birth and emotional and psychological distress. For more information please contact the Front Royal Pregnancy Center so that you can make an informed decision.

The Front Royal Pregnancy Center offers confidential and accurate pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and options education; however, we do not offer or refer for abortion or provide birth control.