You just discovered you’re unexpectedly pregnant. Once the shock settles down, you begin thinking about your next steps.

You have three pregnancy options, which include parenting, adoption, and abortion. It can feel daunting to think about abortion, and most women wonder if today’s abortion methods are safe.

Like all procedures, there are risks you need to be aware of before you decide. In this article, we will discuss various abortion methods and potential risks to your safety.

How Far Along Am I Based on Ultrasound?

Regardless of the pregnancy option, you’re leaning toward, you need to know if your pregnancy is viable and how far along you are [1]. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), an ultrasound between 6 weeks and 13 weeks 6 days is the most accurate way to get those answers [2].

During the first trimester, a pregnancy ultrasound will give you critical information to help you make an informed decision about your pregnancy. It will also help you to know which methods of abortion are available if you feel you cannot continue your pregnancy.

Are Current Methods of Abortion Safe?

It’s good to ask about the safety risks of abortion or any procedure. But it’s important that you get your answers from those who do not benefit financially from your decision.  It’s important that you do your homework using independent sources. Remember that abortion providers profit when someone chooses abortion. Because of that, they are a biased source.

Medical Abortion

Also known as the abortion pill, a medical abortion is usually available up to 70 days from the first day of your last period or 56 days since the day of conception.

The Mayo Clinic states, “Having a medical abortion is a major decision with emotional and psychological consequences. If you’re considering this procedure, make sure you understand what it entails, side effects, possible risks, complications and alternatives” [3].

Before you choose, educate yourself about medical abortion side effects and risks. Potential physical risks of a medical abortion include:

  • Pregnancy tissue left behind requiring a surgical procedure to remove it
  • Failed abortion (it doesn’t always work, and a surgical procedure will be required to finish it.
  • Heavy bleeding — hemorrhage
  • Infection
  • Fever
  • Abortion-related breast cancer

Surgical Abortion

If a healthcare professional determines that a medical abortion isn’t appropriate for you, they may recommend a surgical abortion.

Potential physical risks to a surgical abortion include:

  • Incomplete abortion (retained pregnancy tissue)
  • Damage to the cervix, uterus, or other organs
  • Hemorrhage
  • Emboli – life-threatening blood clots that could travel to the lungs
  • Infection leading to future infertility
  • Anesthesia complications
  • Abortion-related breast cancer
  • Death

At Pregnancy Care Clinic, we understand how difficult it is to weigh all the positives and negatives of each of your pregnancy options, and we’re available to help answer all of your questions and concerns without judgment. To learn more about these physical risks of abortion, call Pregnancy Care Clinic and make an appointment today.

We Can Help You

If you think you’re unexpectedly pregnant, we can provide the facts you need about various methods of abortion to empower you to make the best decision for your situation. Our licensed medical professionals at Pregnancy Care Clinic offer no-cost services and resources to help you navigate this challenging time. Contact us today for an appointment.

[1] Danielsson, Krissi. (2020, April 20). How a Viable or Nonviable Pregnancy Is Diagnosed. Retrieved on June 16, 2020 from https://www.verywellfamily.com/viable-pregnancy-viability-2371666

[2] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2017, May). Methods for Estimating the Due Date. Retrieved on June 12, 2020 from https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2017/05/methods-for-estimating-the-due-date

[3] Mayo Clinic. (2020, May 14). Medical Abortion. Retrieved on June 17, 2020 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687