ABORTION INFORMATION
The Pregnancy and Parenting Center in Florence, Oregon, is a safe and confidential place where we provide accurate information about abortion and other pregnancy options. We are here to listen, help you understand your choices, and provide the support you need to make an informed decision without pressure. Our compassionate team is available to assist you in navigating the emotions that come with facing an unplanned pregnancy. Get answers to your questions about abortion procedures, what to expect, side effects, and more.
Methods of Abortion
MEDICAL ABORTION
Medication abortion, also called the "abortion pill," can be taken up to 70 days (10 weeks pregnant).(1) The FDA approved "abortion pill" generally refers to a medical abortion method that involves taking two different medications to terminate an early pregnancy. The first medication blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for pregnancy to continue. Without progesterone, the lining of the uterus breaks down, and the pregnancy cannot continue. The second medication is taken 24 to 48 hours later. It causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through the vagina.
As with any medical procedure, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider to understand the process, potential risks, and aftercare. It’s important to note that some women should not take the abortion pill(2); learn more.
SURGICAL ABORTION
There are several types of surgical abortions. Suction aspiration, also called suction curettage or vacuum aspiration abortion, is performed during the first 6 to 14 weeks gestational stage. Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) is another type of procedure typically done in later weeks. Both types have risks and side-effects that greatly vary depending on your gestation and health.(3)
If you’re considering abortion, we offer a unique opportunity to connect with others who have been where you are through our after-abortion support program. It’s a chance to ask questions, express your concerns, and gain valuable insights from those who have walked a similar path.
REFERENCES
- Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation: fda.gov
- Medical abortion isn't an option if you: mayoclinic.org
- SURGICAL ABORTIONS
- Paul, M., Lichtenberg, E. S., Borgatta, L., Grimes, D. A., Stubblefield, P. G., & Creinin, M. D. (2009). First Trimester Aspiration Abortion. In Management of unintended and abnormal pregnancy: Comprehensive abortion care (pp. 135-156).
- Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell. Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. (2014). In-Clinic Abortion Procedures : Planned Parenthood. Retrieved July 19, 2014.
- American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. (2013). Practice Bulletin: Second-Trimester Abortion (135).
- Pasquini, L., et al. Intracardiac injection of potassium chloride as method for feticide: Experience from a single U.K. tertiary centre. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 2008;115(4):528–31.
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