CHEMICAL ABORTION

A chemical abortion, also called the abortion pill or medical abortion, can be taken up to 70 days after the start of your last menstrual period. This protocol involves taking two different drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone works by blocking progesterone, a hormone essential to the development of the embryo, and thereby preventing an existing pregnancy from progressing. Misoprostol, taken 24–48 hours after mifepristone, works to empty the uterus by causing cramping and bleeding. 

​

• The medication may also be called RU-486. 

• The protocol may also be called a medical termination or chemical termination. 

• It is not an option for people with certain medical conditions.

• The abortion pill is not the same as the emergency contraceptive, The Morning After Pill or Plan B One Step.

• Abortion pill reversal is possible if action is taken after the first drug, mifepristone. 

Side effects – Cramping and bleeding are expected. Bleeding typically lasts 9 to 16 days and possibly up to 30 days. Other possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, weakness, dizziness and headache.

Complications – Possible complications include heavy bleeding, surgery to stop the bleeding, and serious infection. Before taking any medication, you should discuss the risks with your doctor and know what do to if complications arise.

Follow-up –After taking a chemical abortion you should follow up with your doctor.

​

https://carenetsomd.org

https://www.kff.org

SURGICAL ABORTION

Surgical abortions are done by dilating the cervix and passing instruments into the uterus to suction, grasp, pull, and scrape the pregnancy out. The exact procedure is determined by the fetus’ level of growth.

Aspiration/Suction – Up to 13 weeks estimated gestational age. Most early surgical terminations are performed using this method. Local anesthesia is typically offered to reduce pain. The abortion involves dilating the cervix, passing a tube inside the uterus, and attaching it to suction device which pulls the embryo out.

Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) – 13 weeks estimated gestational age and up. Most second trimester terminations are performed using this method. Local anesthesia, oral, or intravenous pain medications and sedation are commonly used. Besides the need to dilate the cervix much wider, the main difference between this procedure and a first trimester abortion is the use of forceps to grasp fetal parts and remove the fetus in pieces. D&E is associated with a much higher risk of complications compared to a first trimester surgical abortion.

D&E After Viability – 21 weeks estimated gestational age and up. This procedure typically takes 2–3 days and is associated with increased risk to the life and health of the mother. General anesthesia is usually recommended, if available. Drugs may be injected into the fetus or the amniotic fluid to stop the fetus’ heart before starting the procedure. The cervix is dilated wide, the amniotic sac is broken, and forceps are used to dismember the fetus. The “Intact D&E” pulls the fetus out legs first, then compresses the skull in order to remove the fetus in one piece.

​

https://carenetsomd.org/

3 risk factors of a medical abortion according to an OB-GYN 

​

Dr. Karysse Trandem, board-certified obstetrician and gynecologic surgeon, has spent years studying the research on abortion and found several common mental and physical health risks after an abortion.  

Here are three post-abortion risks that you may not know about.  

Abortion can often lead to an increased risk of pre-term birth in the future.  

Dr. Trandem says that the United States has seen a 100 percent increase in premature birth rates since abortion was legalized in 1973. When the cervix is artificially dilated during an abortion, permanent damage is done.  Often meaning the cervix is unable to hold the placenta in place during future pregnancies. Because of this, Dr. Trandem notes,  women can have a 36 percent increased rate of preterm birth and fetal death after one abortion. A preterm birth, or premature birth, is defined as a baby that is born before the 37th week of pregnancy. 

Abortion can lead to mental health problems in the future.  

 According to Dr. Trandem, one in five women regret their abortion decision after just 2 months. She cites a comprehensive study by The British Journal of Psychiatry that found women who have had an abortion had an 80 percent increased risk of mental health issues. A study done by the deVeber Institute agrees, stating that women who have had an abortion are at a higher risk for mental health issues in the future.  

There is a risk of uterine damage during an abortion.  

The act of removing a living, active pregnancy from the wall of the uterus causes heavy bleeding inside the uterus. This procedure can lead to hemorrhaging and scarring on the uterus wall, which can lead to the possibility of being unable to carry a pregnancy in the future. Dr. Trandem mentions that abortion providers often do not discuss these risks with patients.  

​

By Katie Doryland, stsweb2dev.savethestorks.com