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Abortion is not just a simple medical
procedure. For many women, it is a life changing event with
significant physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences.
Most women who struggle with past abortions say that they wish
they had been told all of the facts about abortion and its
risks.
Our trained consultants are available 24/7
to answer your questions about abortion and to connect you to
local help. Call 1-800-395-HELP or
e-mail
us as at all hours. You can also read the information below to
learn more about abortion procedures and the risks associated
with abortion.
Abortion Procedures
Morning After Pill (MAP): within 72 hours
of sexual intercourse
Also known as "Emergency Contraception,"
this procedure consists of a pregnancy test and two doses of
pills. The woman first must take a pregnancy test and receive
a negative test result before taking the pills. If a negative
test result occurs from the pregnancy test, then the woman is
instructed to take the first dose of the Morning After Pill.
Note: a negative result indicates that the woman is probably
not pregnant from intercourse during her previous monthly
cycle, but it will not show whether or not she just became
pregnant (from intercourse the "night before"). She is
instructed to take this first dose as soon as possible, but
not more than 72 hours after intercourse. The woman takes a
second dose 12 hours after the first dose. If conception
already occurred within the 72 hour time frame (that is the
"night before"), the life is expelled. This is an early
abortion.
RU486, Mifepristone: within 4 to 7 weeks
after LMP
Also known as the Abortion Pill, this
medical abortion is used for women who are within 28 to 49
days after their last menstrual period. This procedure usually
requires three office visits. The RU 486 or mifepristone pills
are given to the woman who returns two days later for a second
medication called misoprostol. The combination of these
medications causes the uterus to expel the fetus.
Early Vacuum Aspiration: within 7 weeks
after LMP
This surgical abortion is done early in the
pregnancy up until 7 weeks after the woman's last menstrual
period. The cervical muscle is stretched with dilators (metal
rods) until the opening is wide enough to allow the abortion
instruments to pass into the uterus. A hand held syringe is
attached to tubing that is inserted into the uterus and the
fetus is suctioned out.
Suction Curettage: within 6 to 14 weeks
after LMP
In this procedure, the doctor opens the
cervix with a dilator (a metal rod) or laminaria (thin sticks
derived from plants and inserted several hours before the
procedure). The doctor inserts tubing into the uterus and
connects the tubing to a suction machine. The suction pulls
the fetus' body apart and out of the uterus. One variation of
this procedure is called Dilation and Curettage (D&C). In this
method, the doctor may use a curette, a loop-shaped knife, to
scrape the fetal parts out of the uterus.
Dilation and Evacuation (D&E): within 13
to 24 weeks after LMP
This surgical abortion is done during the
second trimester of pregnancy. Because the developing fetus
doubles in size between the thirteenth and fourteenth weeks of
pregnancy, the body of the fetus is too large to be broken up
by suction and will not pass through the suction tubing. In
this procedure, the cervix must be opened wider than in a
first trimester abortion. This is done by inserting laminaria
a day or two before the abortion. After opening the cervix,
the doctor pulls out the fetal parts with forceps. The fetus'
skull is crushed to ease removal.
Dilation and Extraction (D&X): from 20
weeks after LMP to full-term
Also known as Partial-birth Abortion, this
procedure takes three days. During the first two days, the
cervix is dilated and medication is given for cramping. On the
third day, the woman receives medication to start labor. After
labor begins, the abortion doctor uses ultrasound to locate
the baby's legs. Grasping a leg with forceps, the doctor
delivers the baby up to the baby's head. Next, scissors are
inserted into the base of the skull to create an opening. A
suction catheter is placed into the opening to remove the
skull contents. The skull collapses and the baby is removed.
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