How Does Abortion End My Pregnancy?
Understanding how abortion ends a pregnancy is essential in making a well-informed, empowered decision. Like any medical procedure, abortion carries potential risks and side effects that you should be aware of before proceeding.
At Pregnancy Options Miami, we provide evidence-based education to ensure you understand all your options. Our team is here to support you with services and information and help you make a decision that aligns with your needs.
Schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment today. Keep reading to learn more about abortion and how it ends a pregnancy.
Abortion Procedures
Abortion is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy. The method chosen depends on several factors, including how far along the pregnancy is.
There are two primary types of abortion: medical abortion and surgical abortion.
Medical Abortion
A medical abortion involves taking two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone necessary for the pregnancy to continue. Without progesterone, the pregnancy is unable to stay attached to the uterine lining, effectively ending the pregnancy.
The second drug, misoprostol, is taken 24 to 48 hours later. It causes uterine contractions, expelling the pregnancy from the body.
The process often results in cramping and vaginal bleeding. Other side effects may include:
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
The risks associated with medical abortion, including:
- The body not releasing the entire pregnancy in the uterus, also called an incomplete abortion. This may require surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach
It’s important to note that the FDA approves medical abortion only through 10 weeks of gestation. After this point, the effectiveness is less reliable, and the risks increase.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion methods vary depending on the stage of pregnancy. As pregnancy progresses, the procedure may become more complex.
The procedure may involve the use of drugs, suctioning, and/or surgical tools to remove the pregnancy. Common side effects include cramping and light spotting or bleeding.
Risks from surgical abortions can be serious and include:
- Uterine perforation (when surgical tools cause a hole in the uterus)
- Cervical damage
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall (which can cause painful periods or infertility)
- Infection
If you’re considering abortion, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to review your health history, discuss the risks, and understand the potential side effects and complications.
In Florida, the Heartbeat Protection Act restricts abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, except in cases where the mother’s life is at risk, or the fetus has a fatal abnormality (or for cases of rape, incest, and human trafficking up to 15 weeks). With this law, abortions must be done before six weeks gestation.
Explore Your Options
At Pregnancy Options Miami, we offer no-cost, confidential appointments to help you explore your pregnancy options. Our team is here to educate you on all the choices available, including abortion, parenting, and adoption, so you can make an informed decision that is right for you.
Make an appointment today.