ABORTION PROCEDURES

There are various abortion procedures available during the different stages of pregnancy:

 

1) MEDICAL ABORTION (induced by medication)

 

The Abortion Pill also known as R.U.486 or Mifeprex & Misoprostol

This is NOT Emergency Contraception/Plan B/Morning After Pill

  • A drug is given that stops the hormones needed for the fetus to grow. This causes the placenta or attachment of the fetus to the womb to separate, thus ending the pregnancy.
  • A second drug is given by mouth or placed in the vagina causing the womb to contract and expel the fetus and placenta.

 

RISKS/COMPLICATIONS:

  • Incomplete abortion requiring vacuum aspiration
  • Allergic reaction to the medications
  • Painful cramping
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Infection
  • Heavy Bleeding
  • Mental Health Effects

2) VACUUM/SUCTION ASPIRATION

 

  • A local anesthetic is applied or injected into or near the cervix to alleviate discomfort or pain.
  • Conscious sedation and/or general anesthesia are also commonly used.
  • The opening of the cervix is gradually stretched with a series of dilators. The thickest dilator used is about the width of a fountain pen.
  • A tube is inserted into the womb and is attached to a suction system to remove the fetus, placenta and membranes from the womb.

 

RISKS/COMPLICATIONS:

  • Incomplete Abortion
  • Pelvic Infection
  • Heavy Bleeding
  • Torn Cervix
  • Perforated Uterus
  • Mental Health Effects

3) DILATION AND CURETTAGE (D&C)

 

  • A local anesthetic is applied or injected into or near the cervix to alleviate discomfort or pain.
  • Conscious sedation and/or general anesthesia are also commonly used
  • The opening of the cervix is gradually stretched with a series of dilators. The thickest dilator used is about the width of a fountain pen.
  • A spoon-like instrument (curette) is used to scrape the walls of the uterus to remove the fetus, placenta and membranes.

 

RISKS/COMPLICATIONS:

  • Incomplete Abortion
  • Pelvic Infection
  • Heavy Bleeding
  • Torn Cervix
  • Weakened Cervix
  • Perforated Uterus
  • Mental Health Effects

4) DILATION AND EVACUATION (D&E)

 

  • Sponge-like pieces of absorbent material, called laminaria, are placed into the cervix. This material becomes moist and slowly opens the cervix. It remains in place for several hours or overnight. A second or third application of the sponge material may be necessary.
  • Following dilation of the cervix, medications may be given to ease pain and prevent infection.
  • After a local or general anesthesia has been administered, the fetus and placenta are removed from the uterus with medical instruments such as forceps and suction curettage. It may be necessary to dismember the fetus.

 

RISKS/COMPLICATIONS:

  • Heavy Bleeding
  • Cut or torn Cervix
  • Perforation of the Uterus
  • Weakened Cervix
  • Pelvic infection
  • Incomplete abortion
  • Anesthesia-related complications
  • Mental Health Effects