If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be considering abortion as an option. Before making a final decision, it’s important to have all the facts so you can be fully informed. Our goal is to provide the information you need and empower you to make your own choice. The PRC of Glenwood Springs does not perform or refer for abortion.
Different Abortion Procedures
The Abortion Pill (RU486)
The abortion pill, or medical abortion, is a type of abortion that happens during the first ten weeks of pregnancy. It’s actually a series of two pills — one taken at the doctor’s office and one taken 24 hours later at home — designed to cause fetal demise and then cause your body to expel the pregnancy.
Surgical Abortions
If you’re further than nine or ten weeks along, the abortion pill won’t be an option for you. There are a few different types of surgical abortion procedures that are more invasive and can cause more extreme side effects.
Abortion Side Effects
Expected physical side effects of abortion include:
- Bleeding
- Cramping
- Pain
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Dizziness
Potential physical complications with abortion procedures:
- Incomplete abortion
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Uterine perforation
- Infection
- Premature birth with a future pregnancy
- Infertility
- Death – although rare
Many women report experiencing emotional side effects, which may be long-term, such as:
- Loneliness / Withdrawal
- Anger
- Guilt
- Regret
- Anxiety / Depression
- Alcohol and/or drug dependence
- Eating Disorders
- Difficulty Sleeping
- Suicidal Thoughts
- Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress
- Relationship Problems
Next Steps
If you’re wondering what you should do next, remember to confirm your pregnancy before making any big decisions. A medical-grade pregnancy test and a diagnostic ultrasound is recommended. An ultrasound will help determine how far along you are, if your pregnancy is viable, and where it is located. All of these not only impact the type of abortion you can have but other important information to consider before making a decision.
Are you considering the Abortion Pill? Come in for a private consultation with one of our nurses to learn about RU486. Please contact us to schedule your confidential appointment today!
Sources:
American Pregnancy Assoc. (2013). Abortion emotional side effects.
http://www.americapregnancy.org/unplanned-pregnancy/abortion-emotional-effects https://www.deveber.org/womens-health-after-abortion/
Coleman, P.K., Rue, V.M., Coyle, C.T. (2009) Induced abortion and intimate relationship quality in the Chicago Health and Social Life Survey. Public Health, 123(4):331-38.
Coleman, P.K., Coyle, C., Rue, V. (2010) Late-term elective abortion and susceptibility to posttraumatic stress symptoms. Journal of Pregnancy
Coleman, P.K. (Sept, 2011). Abortion and Mental Health: A Quantitative Synthesis and Analysis of Research Published from 1995-2009. British Journal of Psychiatry
Iams, Jay D, MD; Berghells, Vincenzo, MD. (2010) Care for women with prior preterm birth. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. August 2010;203(3):89-100
Reardon, David C. (2012). Short and long term mortality rates associated with first pregnancy outcome: Population register based study for Denmark 1980–2004. Medical Science Monitor 2012; 18(9): PH71-76
Ohio Dept of Health.(2019). Induced Abortions in Ohio.