Abortion

Understanding Your Options

If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, you may be thinking about abortion and looking for straightforward answers. Making a decision like this can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.

At Hope Clinic for Women, we believe knowledge is empowering. Our team of registered nurses and advocates can provide accurate, factual information about abortion procedures, potential side effects, and possible risks, so you can make a fully informed decision that protects your health.

While we do not perform or refer for abortions, we offer free and confidential appointments where you can talk openly, ask questions, and receive reliable medical information in a caring environment.

Types of Abortion

There are two main categories of abortion: medical abortion (the abortion pill) and surgical abortion. The type depends on how far along your pregnancy is.

Medical Abortion (Abortion Pill)

This method typically involves two drugs. It is FDA-approved for use through 10 weeks of pregnancy. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone, which supports pregnancy growth. The second, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.

After taking the drugs, you can expect cramping and bleeding. Common side effects can include:

Upset stomach
Vomiting
Fever
Chills
Diarrhea
Headache

Possible risks include:

Digestive symptoms
Fever
Infection
Heavy, prolonged bleeding
Incomplete abortion (some pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus, requiring another procedure)

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion procedures are performed in a clinic or hospital setting and use instruments, suction, or both to end the pregnancy. The specific technique depends on how far along the pregnancy is.

Common side effects may include mild cramping and spotting or light bleeding for several days after.

Possible risks include:

Uterine perforation (when a surgical tool pokes a hole in the uterus)
Damage to the cervix
Scar tissue on the uterine wall (which can cause painful periods and infertility)
Infection

The Importance of an Ultrasound

Before considering abortion, it’s essential to confirm key information about your pregnancy. An ultrasound can determine:

How far along you are
Whether the pregnancy is developing normally
Whether it’s located in the uterus (not ectopic)

This information is crucial for your safety. Hope Clinic for Women offers free, limited obstetric ultrasounds to those who qualify after a positive pregnancy test. If your test was taken elsewhere, we’ll need a pregnancy verification form from your provider before scheduling your scan.

Caring, Confidential Support

You deserve space to discuss your feelings, ask questions, and receive factual information without pressure or judgment. Our caring team will provide information, guidance, and support to help you make a healthy, hope-filled decision for your future.

Schedule a free, confidential appointment today to learn more and take your next step toward clarity and confidence.