What You Should Know Before Deciding
Accurate information matters when you’re considering your options. If abortion is something you’re thinking about, evidence-based information is critical to protecting your health.
A limited ultrasound is an essential first step because it can confirm how far along you are and whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus. That information helps determine what options may be available and what your next steps could look like.
Paris Pregnancy Care Center does not perform or refer for abortions.
The Two Types of Abortion
There are two types of abortion: medical abortion (the abortion pill) and surgical abortion. Which method is used can depend on how far along the pregnancy is.
An abortion is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy. Like any medical procedure, it involves side effects and potential risks that are important to consider when making a decision.
The Abortion Pill
The abortion pill, which is also commonly known as medical abortion, uses two different drugs, taken roughly a day or two apart, and is only FDA-approved through 10 weeks of pregnancy.
The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for the pregnancy to continue. This causes the uterine lining to break down. The second drug, misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy and related tissue through vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping.
Bleeding and cramping are expected and are often heavier than a typical menstrual cycle. The intensity of the discomfort can vary from woman to woman.
Several side effects of the abortion pill are:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever or chills
- Headaches
There are also potential risks, including:
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- An incomplete abortion, which may require a follow-up procedure
- Infection
- Fever
Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion happens in a clinic or hospital. An abortion provider dilates your cervix, then removes the pregnancy using suction, surgical tools, or a combination of the two. Depending on the provider, you might be given local anesthesia, sedation, or another form of pain control.
Possible risks could include:
- A perforated uterus
- Cervical injury
- Scar tissue inside the uterus that could affect future pregnancies or your cycle
- Infection
Recovery can vary from woman to woman.
You Deserve to Be Informed
No matter what you’re leaning toward, having clear information can help you understand your pregnancy and feel more confident about your next steps.
We’re here to talk through your questions honestly and at your pace, with zero pressure or judgment.
