Abortion is a serious medical procedure that ends a pregnancy. As with any medical procedure or prescription drug, it comes with possible side effects and risks. Understanding these can help you make an informed decision about your health and next steps.
If you’re considering abortion, it’s important to confirm key pregnancy details such as gestational age, pregnancy location, and viability before proceeding. These details can determine which options are medically safe for you.
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Medical Abortion (Abortion Pill) Risks
A medical abortion uses two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, to end and expel a pregnancy from the uterus. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this process for up to 10 weeks of pregnancy.*
The procedure causes strong abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding to empty the uterus. Women report varying degrees of pain and bleeding depending on how far along they are in their pregnancy and other factors. Other possible side effects include upset stomach, diarrhea, chills, fever, and headache.
Potential risks include:
- An incomplete abortion, which may require a surgical procedure
- Ongoing pregnancy if the drugs do not work as intended
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Digestive system discomfort
Medical abortion is not a safe option for women with certain health conditions, such as blood disorders, anemia, or allergies to the abortion drugs. Talking to a medical professional about your health history can reduce preventable risks.
It’s also important to rule out ectopic pregnancy, which is life-threatening and not treated with abortion pills.
Surgical Abortion Risks
Surgical abortions are usually performed later in pregnancy. They typically involve dilating (opening) the cervix and using suction or surgical instruments to remove the pregnancy.
Common side effects include spotting or light vaginal bleeding and mild cramping for a few days afterwards. However, potential risks include:
- Uterine perforation (poking a hole in the uterus)
- Damage to the cervix (the opening of the uterus)
- Scar tissue formation on the uterine wall (Asherman’s syndrome)
- Infection
If general anesthesia or sedation is used, there are additional risks related to those medications as well.
Protecting Your Health and Safety
Before any abortion, an ultrasound can verify how far along you are and where the pregnancy is located. This helps rule out complications and reveal your options. Screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) before a procedure also helps safeguard against pelvic inflammatory disease.
No matter what option you’re considering, you deserve medically accurate information and compassionate support.
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*Abortion is currently legal in Florida up to six weeks of pregnancy. This means certain procedures may not be available in this state.