What are the Different Types of Abortion? - A New Generation

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What are the Different Types of Abortion?

There are two main types of abortion, medical and surgical. The method you qualify for is determined by how far along you are in your pregnancy. We can provide accurate information on abortion procedures, side effects, and potential risks if you are considering abortion for your unplanned pregnancy. 

Medical Abortion

The abortion pill is a method of medical abortion because it uses two drugs over a 24 to 48-hour period to terminate a pregnancy. 

The first drug, mifepristone, is highly regulated by the FDA and should only be taken through 70 days of gestation (pregnancy). This drug blocks the hormone progesterone from reaching the uterus. Without progesterone, a pregnancy cannot survive.

The second drug, misoprostol, induces labor-like contractions to expel the pregnancy through the vagina.

Side Effects

All abortions involve cramping and bleeding. Medical abortion also has the possibility of these other side effects:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache

Risks

The Mayo Clinic lists the following as potential risks of 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
  • Digestive system discomfort

You should reconsider using the abortion pill if you:

Are too far along in your pregnancy

Have an ectopic pregnancy (outside the uterus)

Do not have access to emergency care

Have an IUD

Are allergic to the medications

Can’t return for a follow-up visit

Have a blood clotting disorder, chronic adrenal failure, or use long-term corticosteroids.

Surgical Abortion

There are several different surgical abortion procedures depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy. These procedures require an abortion provider to dilate (open) the cervix, which leads to the uterus. The provider proceeds to use a combination of vacuum or suction aspiration, a sharp spoon-shaped instrument called a curette, and forceps depending on the size of the pregnancy.

Side Effects

The Mayo Clinic lists the following as potential side effects of surgical abortion:

  • Bleeding, including blood clots 
  • Cramping 
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Feeling faint

Risks

These are the potential risks of surgical abortion:

  • Tissue remaining in the uterus
  • Injury to the cervix
  • A hole in the wall of the uterus (uterine perforation)
  • Moderate to severe vaginal bleeding
  • Infection

Current Abortion Law in Florida

Abortion is available in Florida through the 15th week of pregnancy. However, legislation is currently in process to reduce abortion access to 6 weeks of gestation. A medical professional can often detect a heartbeat at 6 weeks.

Call or schedule your free pre-abortion screening at A New Generation.
We will help you find the answers you need.

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A New Generation serves women and men in Hernando County Florida and surrounding areas by providing holistic services related to early pregnancy decisions, peer counseling, support, and practical help. All our services are confidential and are provided at no cost to our clients.  We believe each person has a right to get information from a resource that will not profit from the choices and pregnancy decisions they make. While we do not provide or refer for abortion services, we can answer your questions about side effects, what to expect, and more.

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