What Are The Different Types Of Abortion Procedures?

There are two main types of abortion — medical and surgical. A medical abortion requires taking two drugs called mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone is used to terminate the pregnancy by depriving it of the nutrients it needs to grow. Misoprostol is then taken to cause contractions to expel the fetal tissue from the uterus. Medical abortions are available in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. Surgical abortions are available throughout the pregnancy and require an invasive process to remove the pregnancy tissue. The method and form of abortion used will depend on how developed the fetus is.

What Are The Side Effects And Risks Of Abortion?

Medical abortions are associated with side effects including: Cramping Bleeding Abdominal pain Nausea Weakness Headaches Diarrhea Fever Chills Vomiting Dizziness They may also result in more severe health risks including infection, sepsis, and hemorrhaging. Surgical abortions will often be accompanied by cramping, as well as more severe risks such as infection, uterine perforation, heavy bleeding, and retained fetal tissue.

What Steps Should I Take Before Deciding If Abortion Is Right For Me?

Before getting an abortion, you’ll need to receive an ultrasound scan to determine the age and location of your pregnancy. We also recommend scheduling a consultation with a medical professional to discuss the risks you may face. Empower Life Center provides these services at no cost to you.

What Are The Different Types Of Adoption?

Adoption is a great option for those who don’t feel ready to parent and don’t feel like abortion is right for them. When it comes to adoption, there are two types — open and closed. Closed adoptions are for those who would like their adoptions to remain anonymous and do not feel comfortable having a relationship with the child or adoptive family after giving birth. The most common form of adoption today is an open adoption. Open adoptions allow the mother to choose the family her child will be placed with and typically involves some form of relationship between the child and the birth mother, whether via photos, text, email, or visits. Open adoption can be an incredibly empowering option. As the birth mother, you’ll be in control each step of the way, getting to make impactful choices for your child’s future.

What Steps Should I Take Before Deciding If Adoption Is Right For Me?

Are you interested in exploring the option of adoption further? Schedule an appointment with Empower Life Center to confirm your pregnancy with an ultrasound scan, learn more about your options, and ask any questions you may have. Once you’re ready to move forward, our helpful staff will get you connected with an adoption agency to help you take steps towards creating the adoption plan that’s right for you.

When Should I Take A Pregnancy Test?

The best time to take a pregnancy test is after you miss your period. This gives your body time to produce a detectable amount of HCG - a pregnancy hormone.

Why Do I Need An Ultrasound?

An ultrasound or a physical exam is necessary to confirm your pregnancy. At Empower Life Center, we provide ultrasounds free of charge. An ultrasound reveals three important details of your pregnancy, including: Whether your pregnancy is viable How far along you are (the gestational age) The location of your pregnancy Make a free and confidential ultrasound appointment with us today.

If you’ve had vaginal, oral, or anal sex, you have a potential risk for an STD/STI. If you have questions regarding your level of risk, please call to talk with one of our qualified medical staff.

Medical Abortion: What Are The Risks?

Medical abortion, also known as medication abortion or the abortion pill, terminates a pregnancy using two powerful prescription drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. These drugs work to first end the pregnancy, and then push it out of your body by triggering contractions. Women only qualify for medical abortion when they are under ten weeks pregnant. After this time period, women only qualify for surgical abortion.

Surgical Abortion: What Are The Risks?

Surgical abortion is the only abortion option women qualify for after ten weeks of pregnancy. This procedure is performed in the abortion clinic using a mixture of tools and suction. There are two kinds of surgical abortion: Dilation & Curettage (D&C) and Dilation & Evacuation (D&E). A D&E typically requires more tools and time than a D&C. The type of procedure depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy. Because of the nature of a surgical abortion procedure, the risks relate more to the use of tools scraping your uterus. Also remember, the emotional impact should still be considered, even if it will be different for every woman.

What Is The Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill, also known as a medication abortion or a medical abortion, is actually a two-step process involving two doses of medication. The first pill, mifepristone, is usually prescribed and taken at an abortion clinic. This pill blocks progesterone, preventing the pregnancy from growing. This thins the lining of the uterus and prevents implantation of the embryo. The second pill, misoprostol, is taken hours or sometimes days later. This causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo through the vagina. You will need to see a doctor about a week later to confirm the abortion is complete with no further complications. The FDA has approved this method only for early pregnancies, up to nine weeks past your last menstrual period in most cases.

What Are The Risks Of The Abortion Pill?

There are several physical, emotional, and psychological risks associated with the abortion pill you should know about. The Mayo Clinic lists the following possible physical risks of medical abortion: Incomplete abortion Heavy and prolonged bleeding Infection Fever Digestive system discomfort An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work In addition to these possible physical risks, some emotional or psychological side effects may be possible as well. It’s common to experience a range of negative emotions and in some cases, lasting mental health effects. According to the Mayo Clinic, “having a medical abortion is a major decision with emotional and psychological consequences”.

Plan B, the morning-after pill, is either made of a drug called levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate. These medications are used up to 5 days after unprotected intercourse. However, this medication is not meant to replace regular, long-term birth control. Plan B usually works to delay or prevent ovulation from taking place. However, if an egg has been released and fertilized, this medication may stop it from continuing to be sustained by not allowing it to attach to the uterine wall.

Are There Risks For Plan B?

The Mayo Clinic states that this medication isn’t for everyone. Also, discussing the risks, such as bleeding between periods, abdominal cramping, nausea, and vomiting, are important concerns to address before using this drug.

What Is The Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill, also known as a medical abortion, comprises mifepristone and misoprostol. These medications are used when an egg has been fertilized and attaches to the uterine lining. Mifepristone works to first thin the uterine lining; then, misoprostol has the body push the pregnancy tissue out by inducing contractions.

Are There Risks For The Abortion Pill?

Yes, just like other drugs, there are risks and some people should not use the abortion pill, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Does the Overturning of Roe v. Wade Affect IL?

This past summer, the Supreme Court overturned a federal ruling giving women a constitutional right to abortion. Now, each state determines its abortion laws.

Abortion is still legal in Illinois up until a fetus is viable. After viability, a woman can have an abortion if her life is threatened by continuing her pregnancy.

What Is A Viable Fetus?

A viable fetus can survive outside of the womb. Usually, viability is around 24 to 26 weeks of gestational age. However, a baby born at this age usually requires medical assistance in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Medical professionals cannot always determine the exact age of viability, but as medical technology advances, babies can survive outside the womb even earlier.

In Illinois, it is illegal to have an abortion once the fetus is viable.

What Are the Types of Abortion?

There are two main types of abortion, medical and surgical. How far along you are in your pregnancy determines the method used.

Medical Abortion

Medical abortion is also known as the abortion pill. This method uses two drugs to terminate a pregnancy over a 24 to 48-hour period.

The FDA has approved the abortion pill to end a pregnancy through 70 days gestation (70 days or less since the first day of a woman’s last menstrual period).

According to the Mayo Clinic, the side effects and potential risks of taking the drugs include incomplete abortion, heavy and prolonged bleeding, nausea and vomiting, fever and chills, and infection.

Surgical Abortion

Abortion providers perform surgical abortions in a clinic, hospital, or doctor’s office. This abortion method is more invasive because it requires some form of anesthesia, dilating (opening) the cervix, and scraping tools or forceps.

Once your pregnancy enters the second trimester (after 12 weeks), abortion providers may recommend a surgical abortion. The Mayo Clinic warns that surgical abortions risk damaging the cervix, perforating the uterus, or causing infection.

How Can You Help Me?

Before scheduling an abortion, visit Empower Life Center to verify your pregnancy. A positive at-home pregnancy test is only an indication of pregnancy.

You need an ultrasound scan to verify how far along you are, the pregnancy’s location, and if you’ve miscarried or your pregnancy is growing. We offer free and confidential lab-quality pregnancy tests and ultrasound scans.
The more information you have, the more confident you’ll be with your pregnancy decision. We would love to connect with you, provide the tests you need, and answer your questions. Conveniently schedule your appointment online. We’re here for you!

Does the Overturning of Roe v. Wade Affect IL?

What Is A Viable Fetus?

What Are the Types of Abortion?

Medical Abortion

Surgical Abortion

How Can You Help Me?

Have Questions?

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