Understanding Abortion: Facts, Options, and What You Need to Know

There are two methods for ending a pregnancy through abortion- surgical abortions and chemical abortions.

In any case, the goal of abortion is to end a developing life in the womb. If you’re pregnant and considering this option, you deserve to know all the facts and explore the choices available to you. Understanding the risks and benefits can empower you to make informed decisions about your health and future.

Chemical Abortion

The abortion pill, commonly known as RU-486 (mifepristone), is a chemical means for ending pregnancy. In the U.S., 63% of abortions are performed using this method. But what exactly occurs in your body when you take this medication?

• The first pill blocks progesterone
  • Progesterone is the hormone that keeps the pregnancy going
  • Your body naturally produces this hormone during pregnancy
  • The abortion pill blocks this hormone, and your baby’s support system is cut off so it cannot survive
  • The baby dies in the womb
• The second pill expels the baby
  • Causes strong uterine contractions to force labor
  • This same medication is administered to a full-term pregnant woman (40 weeks) to induce labor. In that case, the mother typically receives about 75 micrograms of this medication.
  • With the abortion pill, a mother (often up to only 10 weeks gestation) receives 400-800 micrograms of this same medication
  • Causes intense pain and cramping with a risk of hemorrhage

Patients have rights that they need to understand before entering an abortion clinic. Often, pregnant women are given the abortion pill to take later and end up laboring alone at home. There is no physician oversight or follow-up. This is particularly dangerous as any pregnancy or abortion can present unique complications.

You Can Reverse A Chemical Abortion

If you have taken the abortion pill but are having regrets, please call 1-877-558-0333. A chemical abortion can be reversed.

The reversal procedure is 64-68% effective. It is possible to reverse a medical abortion within 72 hours of taking the first medication, mifepristone. Learn more about Abortion Pill Reversal: Abortion Pill Reversal – Open Arms Real Choices Clinic.

Surgical Abortion

Surgical Abortion at 5-13 Weeks
Surgical abortions are invasive procedures that require anesthesia, dilation of the cervix, and entering the uterus.

• Vacuum aspiration is used in most first-trimester abortions.
  • A tube is inserted through the dilated cervix into the womb, and a strong suction pump is used to pull the fetus through the tube.
  • Often the fetus is too large to fit through the tube. The suction will then pull the baby into pieces.
  • These pieces must be identified afterward to ensure the entire baby has been removed.
• A dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure is often performed in conjunction with vacuum aspiration. This procedure uses a sharp surgical instrument to scrape any remaining pieces from the uterus.
• There are risks involved with a suction D&C.
  • An incomplete abortion may occur if part of the fetus is left in the uterus. This can cause infection and bleeding.
  • There is a risk of puncturing or lacerating the uterus or cervix.
  • Risks also include infection, cramping, abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, scar tissue formation, and in rare cases, death.

Surgical Abortions at 13 -24 weeks

Surgical abortions are invasive procedures that require anesthesia, dilation of the cervix, and entering the uterus.

• Dilation and Extraction is performed for pregnancies in the second or third trimester.
  • In this procedure, the cervix is dilated and forceps are inserted into the womb.
  • The baby is pulled into pieces and removed.
  • Then the uterus is scraped to make sure all pieces have been removed.
  • The remains are examined to make sure they have gotten all the pieces of the baby.
• There are risks involved with a Dilation and Extraction (D&E) abortion, including:
  • An incomplete abortion may occur if part of the fetus is left in the uterus. This can cause infection and bleeding.
  • There is a risk of puncturing or lacerating the uterus or cervix.
  • Risks also include infection, cramping, abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, scar tissue formation, and in rare cases, death.

To see a video that will show you the two most common surgical abortion procedures, along with a description of their risks, visit www.YourAbortion.com.

You Have Options

The best step you can take for yourself is to make an informed decision. Click here to learn why an ultrasound is an essential part of this process. At Open Arms Real Choices Clinic, we’re here to help you take charge of your health and well-being. Our compassionate staff is ready to meet with you confidentially, answer your questions, discuss your options, and explain your patient rights. We’re here for you—ready to support you with open arms.