For many women, abortion is a life-changing event with significant physical and emotional effects.
Abortion Procedures
Medication Abortion RU486 (Abortion Pill)
This drug is only approved by the Food & Drug Administration for use in women up to the 49th day after their last menstrual period; however, it is commonly used “off label” up to 63 days. This procedure usually requires three office visits. On the first visit, the woman is given pills to cause the death of the fetus. Two days later, if the fetus has not been expelled from her body, the woman is given a second drug (misoprostol) to accomplish this. One to two weeks later, an evaluation is done to determine if the procedure has been completed.
First Trimester Aspiration Abortion
This type of surgical abortion is done throughout the first trimester. Depending upon the provider and the cost, varying degrees of pain control are offered, ranging from local anesthetic to full general anesthesia. For very early pregnancies (4-7 weeks LMP), local anesthesia is usually given. Then a long, thin tube is inserted into the uterus. A large syringe is attached to the tube, and the embryo is suctioned out.
Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)
This surgical abortion is done during the second trimester of pregnancy. In this procedure, the cervix must be opened wider than in a first-trimester abortion because the fetus is larger. Sometimes, other oral or vaginal medications are used to further soften the cervix. On the day of the procedure, after anesthesia is given (local or general), the cervix is opened, and a suction device is used, along with forceps and other tools to remove the pregnancy.
Dilation and Evacuation (D & E) After Potential Viability
When the abortion is done at a point when a live birth is possible, injections are given to cause fetal death. This is done to comply with federal law, which requires that the fetus be dead before complete removal from the mother’s body. The medications (digoxin and potassium chloride) are either injected into the amniotic fluid, the umbilical cord, or directly into the fetus’ heart. The remainder of the procedure is the same as described above.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Following abortion, many women experience initial relief. The perceived crisis is over and life returns to normal. For many women, however, the crisis isn’t over. Months and even years later, significant problems develop. There is evidence that abortion is associated with a decrease in both emotional and physical health, long term.
Many studies have shown abortion to be connected to…
•Clinical Depression
•Drug and Alcohol Abuse
•Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
•Suicide
To learn more about abortion, talk to our non-judgemental team today. We are here for you as you determine what’s next in your pregnancy journey.
