Maybe you’re wondering if abortion is an option for you, and how you determine if you’re eligible for one. Abortion is a serious medical procedure that is intended to terminate a pregnancy. It comes with major risks and side effects to consider as you make a decision. You deserve to get educated about all your options. Here is more information so you feel fully informed along your pregnancy journey.
Is Abortion An Option For You?
Pregnancy Confirmation
To become eligible for an abortion, you first will need to show proof of a viable pregnancy. While at-home pregnancy tests are accurate, a lab-quality pregnancy should be taken to confirm. You can receive a no-cost and confidential pregnancy test at the Pregnancy Care Center of Petoskey today.
Next, an ultrasound is needed to gather critical details about your pregnancy. These three key elements include:
- If you have a viable pregnancy (with a heartbeat)
- How far along you are (gestational age)
- The location of your pregnancy
An ultrasound also alerts you to any pregnancy complications. Some women experience ectopic pregnancies, where a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the uterus. This type of pregnancy complication would disqualify you from having an abortion, and require medical attention from your doctor.
We offer no-cost ultrasounds so you can receive clarity about your pregnancy and eligibility for your pregnancy options.
What Are the Types of Abortion?
There are two types of abortion procedures: medication abortion and surgical abortion. Two types of abortion pills are taken in a medication abortion, Mifepristone and Misoprostol. They work to thin the lining of the uterus to prevent the embryo from growing or implanting. Then, the uterus contracts and expels the pregnancy. Medication abortion is only for women under 10 weeks pregnant.
With surgical abortion, the process involves anesthesia to help with the pain during the procedure. The pregnancy is removed surgically and normally done using suction or an instrument called a curet, to remove the contents of the uterus.
Risks of Medication 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
Risks of Surgical Abortion
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
- Heavy bleeding
Learn More About Your Options
Though abortion could be an option for you, you have three options: abortion, adoption, or parenting. The choice is ultimately up to you. We are here to give you more information along the way. You are not alone.
For more information about abortion or your other options, schedule a free and confidential appointment with us today. We are here to help.