Considering Abortion?

You may be considering abortion after facing the shocking news of an unplanned pregnancy. It may seem like abortion will wipe away this situation so that you can move on. It’s not that simple.

For many women, abortion is a life-changing event with significant physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences. You deserve the facts.

Our team at SouthWest Options for Women is available to discuss your options, listen to your concerns, and answer your questions. You are not alone.

*SWOW does not refer for or perform abortions

types of Abortion

1. Medical abortion (The abortion pill)

Medical abortion includes two different drugs. First, mifepristone blocks the womb from absorbing progesterone (a hormone the body needs to continue the pregnancy), preventing the embryo from growing further.

Next, misoprostol is taken and causes the uterus to contract and push the pregnancy out of the body through the vagina. Common risks of medical abortion include infection, incomplete abortion, heavy, prolonged bleeding, and more. 

2. Surgical Abortion

Two types of surgical abortion include dilation & evacuation (D&E) and dilation & curettage (D&C). Each of these surgical procedures dilates your cervix and uses vacuum aspiration and surgical tools to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. 

Both surgical abortion procedures have similar processes of termination and come with the same risks, including:

  • Perforation of the uterus (when a surgical instrument pokes a hole in the uterus)
  • Damage to the cervix
  • Scar tissue on the uterine wall
  • Infection
  • Excessive bleeding

Which Type of Abortion Are You Eligible For?

The type of abortion you may be eligible for depends on how far along you are in pregnancy. The FDA states that medical abortion is only recommended for women up to 10 weeks pregnant. Otherwise, a surgical abortion may be your other option. 

Other factors, including your medical history, will also be considered in determining which procedure is safest for you.

To confirm how far along you are, an ultrasound is necessary. Ultrasound also confirms if you have a viable and healthy pregnancy and the location of your pregnancy (whether it’s growing within your uterus).

Begin your pregnancy journey with a free and confidential appointment with us today. We are here to help.