Every woman deserves to have access to healthcare services, including a legal and safe abortion process. No matter what reason has brought you to consider the procedure, it is important that you have all of the facts so you can make the best decision for yourself and your health.
How to tell if you’re pregnant
If you think you might be pregnant, it’s important to take a pregnancy test as soon as possible to find out for sure. You can buy a pregnancy test at a pharmacy or online.
There are also some early signs of pregnancy that you may experience, such as:
- Missed period
- Nausea or vomiting
- Breast tenderness
- Fatigue or feeling exhausted
- Frequent urination
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms and you think you might be pregnant, it’s important to take a pregnancy test as soon as possible.
What is an abortion?
An abortion is the ending of a pregnancy before a birth. It is also sometimes called “termination of pregnancy.” When a woman has an abortion, she is no longer pregnant.
There are two main types of abortions: medical and surgical. Medical abortions are done with medicine and do not involve surgery. Surgical abortions are done with surgery and typically involve a vacuum aspiration or dilation and curettage (D&C).
The type of abortion you have will depend on how far along you are in your pregnancy and what is available in your area. You may also have a say in what type of abortion you have, depending on your personal preferences and medical history.
If you are considering having an abortion, it is important that you understand the risks and side effects associated with both medical and surgical abortions. You should also be aware of the laws in your state regarding abortion so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with the procedure.
The abortion pill process
The abortion pill process is a medical procedure that involves taking two different medications to end a pregnancy. The first medication, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for a pregnancy to continue. The second medication, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
The abortion pill process can be done up to 10 weeks after the last menstrual period. It is important to note that the sooner in the pregnancy the abortion pill is taken, the more effective it is. The abortion pill is not effective if taken after 10 weeks of pregnancy.
To begin the abortion pill process, a woman will take mifepristone at a clinic or doctor’s office. She will then take misoprostol either at home or at a clinic/doctor’s office 24-48 hours later. It is important to follow all instructions given by the provider regarding taking misoprostol.
Side effects of the abortion pill include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramping. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days. However, if they are severe or do not go away, it is important to call a healthcare provider right away.
It is also common for women to experience bleeding and spotting after taking the abortion pill. This bleeding can last for several weeks and may be heavier than a normal period. It is important to use sanitary pads during
The surgical abortion process
The surgical process of abortion is a safe and legal way to end a pregnancy. The procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting and takes about 10-15 minutes to complete. During the surgery, the doctor will make a small incision in the uterus and then suction out the contents of the womb. In some cases, a small instrument called a curette may be used to remove any remaining tissue.
After the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery room, where you will be monitored for any complications. Once you are stable, you will be able to go home and rest. It is normal to experience some cramping and bleeding after the procedure, but this should subside within a few days. If you have any heavy bleeding, severe pain, or fever, you should contact your doctor right away.
Final thoughts on safe abortions
The decision to have an abortion is personal and complex, but the process of having an abortion is fairly straightforward. If you are considering an abortion, it is important to understand what the procedure entails and what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure. With this knowledge, you can make a more informed decision about whether or not an abortion is right for you.
ConsideringAbortion.org is a website owned and managed by JFCS of Greater Philadelphia
