There are two main abortion methods used to terminate the pregnancy: medical or surgical.
A medical abortion is a regimen of two drugs that ends the pregnancy and induces the body to expel the fetus and pregnancy tissues naturally.
A surgical abortion is a surgical procedure performed by a healthcare provider to extract the fetus and pregnancy tissues.
Keep reading to learn more about each procedure. At Bella, we also offer options consultations where you can learn more and ask questions about each procedure.
How Does a Medication vs. Surgical Abortion Work?
A medical abortion is an FDA-approved regimen that consists of 10 weeks of gestational age. The first drug, mifepristone, is an antiprogestin that blocks the pregnancy from receiving progesterone, so the pregnancy ends.
The second drug, misoprostol, induces uterine cramping so that the fetus and pregnancy tissues are expelled.
A surgical abortion terminates the pregnancy using methods that depend on how far along the pregnancy is. Earlier procedures use suction and tools like a curette, sometimes with medication, to complete the process and remove the fetus and pregnancy tissues.
What are the Risks of Abortion?
Potential risks of an abortion include:
- Incomplete abortion
- Damage to the cervix
- Infection
- Uterine perforation
- An ongoing unwanted abortion (if the procedure is unsuccessful
Next Steps
At Bella, we offer no-cost pregnancy services, including pregnancy testing and an ultrasound.
An ultrasound can reveal important information, such as:
- Gestational age: Knowing the pregnancy’s gestational age can affect your eligibility for certain abortion procedures, like the abortion pill, which is only FDA-approved through 10 weeks.
- Pregnancy location: If the pregnancy is located outside of the uterus, it is ectopic and requires immediate medical attention (other than elective abortion).
- Pregnancy viability: Up to 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. Confirming if the pregnancy is still viable also affects your options.
At Bella, we help you gather more details and provide a safe space for you to ask questions. Contact us today!