An unexpected pregnancy can make you feel pressured to make a quick decision. If you’re considering abortion, you deserve to have accurate information in front of you before taking your next step. No one should make this choice for you, and you owe it to yourself to understand the details, risks, and alternatives.
At the Cherish Women’s Resource Centre, we offer no-cost, confidential services so you can explore your options and gain clarity. Schedule an appointment today to get the answers you need.
Understanding the Procedures
Abortion involves different procedures depending on how far along the pregnancy is. The two most common methods are medical abortion (the abortion pill) and surgical abortion. Each comes with its own set of side effects and potential complications.
Medical Abortion (Abortion Pill)
Medical abortion involves two drugs, typically noted as Mifegymiso:
- Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone, which is essential for sustaining a pregnancy. Without it, the uterine lining begins to break down, and the pregnancy ends.
- Misoprostol follows, causing the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
Cramping and bleeding will occur, while additional side effects can include dizziness, headache, fatigue, or fainting.
Risks can include:
- Heavy, prolonged bleeding
- Infection, including very rare cases of sepsis
- Serious skin reactions
- An ongoing pregnancy (if the procedure doesn’t work)
- Incomplete abortion, which occurs when some pregnancy tissue remains in the body (this may require surgical intervention)
This method has been approved only up to 9 weeks of pregnancy. However, without an ultrasound, it’s impossible to know exactly how far along you are or if the pregnancy is progressing.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is performed in a hospital or clinic. It involves the use of suction, instruments, drugs, or a combination of these methods to end the pregnancy. The procedure type depends on the stage of pregnancy.
Women can expect bleeding and cramping afterward. However, there are also risks to be aware of when considering this option. These risks can include:
- Damage to the uterus or cervix (i.e., lacerations)
- Uterine perforation (when a surgical instrument pokes a hole in the uterus)
- Excessive bleeding (hemorrhage)
- Not removing all of the tissue, requiring another procedure
Complications, while not common, can have long-term effects on health and fertility.
You Deserve Support
Facing an unexpected pregnancy can feel heavy, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our caring peer counselors will walk alongside you as you consider all your options and get the information you need.
Schedule your no-cost, confidential appointment today to learn more about your pregnancy and options.
The Cherish Women’s Resource Centre does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
