To some women, abortion seems like the only way out. To others, it’s a frightening last-minute choice. No matter where you are, you owe it to yourself to be fully informed about abortion procedures, side effects, and possible risks.
Pre-abortion screening
Before you make an appointment with an abortion provider, contact us first. We can verify your pregnancy with free testing and free ultrasound. If you are pregnant, we can sit and talk about all of your pregnancy options.
Types of Procedures
An unexpected pregnancy is so difficult. You may have thought being a parent would come later, or you already have several children and don’t feel you can take care of another. We understand. We provide honest abortion information. No hype and no pressure. Learn more about abortion before you make a decision.
There are basically two types of abortion, medication and surgical.
Medication Abortions
Medication abortion is also known as the abortion pill method. You can only have this procedure if you are less than ten weeks pregnant. The best way to find out how far along you are is to have an ultrasound. We offer them for free.
The abortion pill isn’t just one pill. It actually requires you to take two very powerful drugs. The first drug you take is called mifepristone. This drug stops your body from producing a hormone called progesterone which is necessary for an embryo to stay planted on the lining of your uterus. Mifepristone thins the lining, stopping the embryo from growing.
The second drug is known as misoprostol. This drug induces labor-like contractions to empty the uterus.
Risks And Side Effects
According to the Mayo Clinic, these are the side effects and possible risks of a medication abortion:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by a surgical abortion
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Abdominal cramping
- Infection
- Fever lasting longer than 24 hours
- Digestive system discomfort, diarrhea
Surgical Abortions
If your pregnancy is further along than ten weeks, you will most likely have a surgical procedure. Between 10 and 15 weeks of pregnancy, the provider will perform a vacuum aspiration. It is essentially a dilation and curettage (D & C) to remove the contents of your uterus. The uterus is cleared of all tissue through suction (vacuum) or a surgical instrument.
After the 15th week, a dilation and evacuation (D & E) or dilation and extraction (D & X) abortion is performed. The doctor inserts a tube attached to a suction machine to empty the contents of the uterus. After suctioning out the pregnancy, a curette or forceps are used to scrape any remaining tissue.
Risks And Side Effects
- Bleeding, including blood clots
- Intense cramping
- Potential for uterine perforation
- Infection with fever, abdominal pain, foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feeling faint, sweating
How we can help you
Make an appointment with us today to discuss these procedures, side effects, and risks or to confirm your pregnancy. Emergency Pregnancy Services is a judgment-free zone where you can safely talk about your pregnancy options.
I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and people come in your life at the precise time you need them to. Emergency Pregnancy Services is so dear to me, they were there for me throughout my pregnancy and after the birth of my daughter, Everleigh. I not only received practical baby essentials and invaluable lessons for becoming a first-time mother, I also gained a lifelong friend in my counselor, Dee. I cannot thank this organization enough for the impact they have made on my life personally and the lives of so many women in the community. They have all of my love and support as they continue to fulfill their mission in empowering women every day.
This place was amazing. I enjoyed my experience there it was very helpful and the staff was nice!
I found Emergency Pregnancy Services while searching on the internet and I have to say that it is by far one of my most favorite unexpected finds! I love the work that they do here. The staff was extremely kind, helpful, and informative. I wish I could have known about them sooner.
Was one of the best places I went to when I say they make you feel welcome they do I love their personalities and everything thank y’all for y’all’s help.