A pregnancy you aren’t ready for can cause you to research all kinds of options, including abortion. Knowing as much as you can about every option can help you make an informed choice.

There are two main types of abortion: medical and surgical. Both have different procedures, timelines, and risks. Continue reading to learn about them.

If you’re in the middle of a pregnancy decision, search our directory for free and confidential pregnancy help near you, no matter where you live in Florida. Our service providers can provide you with information and free, helpful services as you evaluate your options.

Medical Abortion (The Abortion Pill)

A medical abortion, i.e., “the abortion pill,” uses two prescription drugs to end an early pregnancy. This procedure is only FDA-approved through ten weeks of gestation.*

It works by first blocking the hormone progesterone with the drug mifepristone. Because pregnancies need progesterone to continue, this action will terminate the pregnancy. The lining of the uterus will thin, and the embryo or fetus will detach from the wall of the uterus.

The second drug, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping.

In addition to unavoidable side effects such as abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, women may also experience upset stomach, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, chills, or headache.

Medical abortion also carries potential risks, such as:

Heavy or prolonged bleeding (can be life-threatening)
Infection
Incomplete abortion (requiring a follow-up surgical procedure)
Digestive system discomfort
Fever

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortions are performed in a clinic or hospital and are typically done later in pregnancy than a medical abortion. During the procedure, a provider dilates the cervix and uses suction and surgical instruments to remove the pregnancy manually.

Three types of surgical abortion include:

Vacuum aspiration: usually performed during the first trimester, and is mostly suction.
Dilation and curettage (D&C): uses a mixture of suction and surgical tools, like a curette
Dilation and evacuation (D&E): typically performed in the second trimester using suction and surgical tools. It’s similar to a D&C but may use forceps to remove larger parts of the pregnancy.

The side effects can include mild cramping and light vaginal bleeding or spotting for a couple of days.

The general risks of surgical abortion include:

Uterine perforation (poking a hole in the uterus)
Damage to the cervix
Infection
Scar tissue on the uterine wall (Asherman’s syndrome)

Learn About Every Pregnancy Option

Abortion, like any medical procedure, comes with potential risks and side effects. Before making a decision, confirm key details about your pregnancy with a medical professional. An ultrasound can determine how far along you are, whether your pregnancy is viable, and if your pregnancy is located in the uterus.

If you’re considering abortion or exploring all your options, search our directory to find pregnancy help near you anywhere in Florida. Free and confidential services are available to support your health and help you navigate your situation.

*Abortion is currently legal in Florida up to six weeks of pregnancy. This means certain procedures may not be available in this state.