Considering Abortion?
If abortion is one of the options you are weighing, having accurate information before you decide is important. The procedure available to you depends on how far along you are, where the pregnancy is located, and other health factors.
Knowing those details first is not just practical; it is necessary for your safety.
Carlisle Area Family Life Center does not perform or refer for abortions, but we do provide free, factual information on procedures, risks, and side effects so you can make an informed decision.
Medical Abortion
Medical abortion, commonly called the abortion pill, typically involves two drugs taken at separate times.
The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, the hormone necessary for sustaining a pregnancy. Without it, the uterine lining begins to break down, and the pregnancy ends. The second drug, misoprostol, is taken later and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy at home.
This process involves abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, which some women report as more intense than expected.
Common side effects may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever or chills
- Headache
Possible risks include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection
- Incomplete abortion requiring follow-up care
- Ongoing pregnancy
- Digestive discomfort
Medical abortion is FDA-approved only through 10 weeks of gestation. Gestational age must be confirmed by ultrasound before use.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is performed in a clinic or hospital setting. The procedure typically involves dilating the cervix and using suction and medical instruments to remove the pregnancy.
The specific method used depends on how far along the pregnancy is.
Common side effects may include:
- Abdominal cramping
- Mild vaginal bleeding or spotting
Possible risks include:
- Infection
- Damage to the cervix
- Uterine perforation
- Scar tissue formation that may affect future fertility (Asherman’s syndrome)
- Incomplete abortion
An Ultrasound and STI Testing Should Come First
Before making a decision about abortion, an ultrasound is an essential step. It confirms how far along you are, whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus, and whether it is progressing, all of which affect your safety and your options. We offer free, confidential, limited OB ultrasounds by appointment following a positive test.
STI testing is also an important part of protecting your health before any procedure. We can refer you to a federally qualified health center for confidential testing. Ask our staff about this when you come in.
We’re here for you. Schedule an appointment today or drop by to learn more about your options and speak to our caring staff.
