Going back and forth between your pregnancy options? Maybe you’re confused about the different types of abortion. 

In this blog, we want to clarify what makes each abortion procedure different, why it matters, and the risks.

Medical Vs. Surgical Abortion

1. Medical Abortion

Referred to as the abortion pill, medical abortion includes two different drugs. First, mifepristone works to block the womb from absorbing progesterone – a hormone only produced during pregnancy. Blocking this hormone prevents the embryo from implanting or growing any further.

Second, Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through the vagina. Possible risks of medical abortion include infection, incomplete abortion, heavy, prolonged bleeding, and more. 

2. Surgical Abortion

The two types of surgical abortion include Dilation & Evacuation (D&E) and Dilation & Curettage (D&C). Both of these surgical procedures dilate your cervix and use vacuum aspiration as well as surgical tools to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. 

Both surgical abortion procedures have similar processes of termination and come with identical 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, or 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. 

According to the FDA, medical abortion is only recommended for women up to 10 weeks pregnant. Otherwise, a surgical abortion may be your other option. 

In order to confirm how far along you are, an ultrasound is needed. An ultrasound will also confirm if you have a viable and healthy pregnancy, the location of your pregnancy (whether it’s growing within your uterus), and how far along you are. 

Free Pregnancy Confirmation 

We offer free and confidential pregnancy testing and an ultrasound. We can help time your pregnancy to discuss your options. You have more than one option. Our peer advocates can discuss abortion procedures and more about your options. Contact us for an appointment today.