Abortion isn’t a decision to be made lightly. Like any medical decision, it requires thought, and you should always understand your options before deciding.

Soundview provides free and confidential information about this option so you can move forward with clarity. We don’t provide or refer for abortions, but we’ll help you get the facts on these procedures.

Medical Abortion

Medical abortion uses drugs to end a pregnancy, and it is FDA-approved through 10 weeks gestation.

Currently, commonly used medications are Mifepristone and Misoprostol.

Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone that aids the pregnancy’s growth and development. Without progesterone, the uterine lining will thin, and the pregnancy will end. Next, misoprostol is taken, which causes uterine contractions that expel the pregnancy and related tissues from the body.

All medical abortions cause abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. You could experience other side effects, including:

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

This procedure also creates certain risks you should be aware of, even though they occur rarely. These risks include:

• Infection (including prolonged fever, chills, nausea)
• Heavy, prolonged bleeding
• Incomplete abortion (which may require surgical treatment)
• An ongoing pregnancy (if the drugs don’t work)

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion procedures use drugs, surgical tools, and/or suctioning to end the pregnancy. The further along you are, the more involved the procedure will be.

You’ll have abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding with a surgical abortion procedure. There are also risks associated with this type of abortion. They occur rarely but can be severe; including, but not limited to:

• Infection
• Uterine perforation (when a surgical tool pokes a hole in the uterus)
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall
• Cervical damage

Considering abortion?

If you’re considering abortion, there are several health and safety steps you should follow. You should confirm your pregnancy with an ultrasound if you’ve received a positive pregnancy test result. Soundview offers referrals for free ultrasounds through the onsite independent medical office, who can determine your eligibility for one.

Our onsite independent medical professionals and staff social workers can also discuss abortion procedures with you and explain adoption and parenting as well. We won’t judge your situation; every person is unique, and we want you to stay informed about each option.

Additionally, you should speak with your healthcare provider. They can determine your eligibility for an abortion procedure, review your health history, and address any concerns.

Your well-being matters. We know this can be a challenging time, which is why we offer free, confidential pregnancy services. Schedule an appointment today.

 

Soundview is a non-profit 501c3 and does not benefit financially from your pregnancy decisions. All medical services are provided by referral to independent onsite medical professionals at no cost to you. Soundview does not, nor does the independent, onsite medical office, refer or provide abortion services. Soundview does not provide medical services or medical advice. All information on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be substituted for medical and/or legal advice.