Get the Facts Before You Decide
If abortion is something you are thinking about, it’s important to get accurate information.
Understanding what each procedure entails, the associated risks, and what gestational age means for your options will help you make an informed decision. There is a lot of incomplete information out there, and we want to make sure you have a full picture of this option.
Birthright of San Lorenzo does not perform or refer for abortions. We do provide no-cost, confidential information on both types of abortion procedures so you can go into any decision knowing exactly what to expect physically and medically.
Medical Abortion
Medical abortion, often called the abortion pill, involves two drugs taken at separate times.
The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, the hormone that sustains a pregnancy. Without it, the uterine lining breaks down, and the pregnancy ends.
The second drug, misoprostol, is taken later and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy at home.
This process involves abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, which some women describe as more intense than they anticipated.
Common side effects may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever or chills
- Headache
Possible risks include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection
- Incomplete abortion requiring follow-up care
- Ongoing pregnancy
- Digestive discomfort
Medical abortion is FDA-approved only through 10 weeks of gestation. Gestational age must be confirmed before use.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is performed in a clinic or hospital and typically involves dilating the cervix and using suction and instruments to remove the pregnancy. The method used depends on how far along the pregnancy is.
Common side effects may include:
- Abdominal cramping
- Mild vaginal bleeding or spotting
Possible risks include:
- Infection
- Cervical damage
- Uterine perforation
- Scar tissue formation that may affect future fertility (Asherman’s syndrome)
- Incomplete abortion
Before You Decide
A no-cost ultrasound referral is available through our center following a positive pregnancy test. Knowing key pregnancy details, such as how far along you are, helps you protect your health and well-being.
Our staff is also here to answer questions and talk through your full range of options in a confidential setting, at whatever pace feels right for you.
Schedule an Appointment
Schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment to get the information you need before making any decisions.
