ABORTION

What is it?  An operation or other intervention to end a pregnancy by removing an embryo or fetus from the womb.

What it does…surgical abortion? ⁴ 

Early Non-Surgical Abortion

• A drug is given that stops the hormones needed for the fetus to grow. In addition, it causes the placenta to separate from the uterus, ending the pregnancy.
• A second drug is given by mouth or placed in the vagina causing the uterus to contract and expel the fetus and placenta.
• A return visit to the doctor is required for follow up to make sure the abortion is completed.

Possible Complications

• Incomplete abortion
• Allergic reaction to the medications
• Painful cramping
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever 
• Infection
• Heavy bleeding

Vacuum Aspiration Abortion

• A local anesthetic is applied or injected into or near the cervix to prevent discomfort or pain.
• The opening of the cervix is gradually stretched with a series of dilators. The thickest dilator used is about the width of a fountain pen.
• A tube is inserted into the uterus and is attached to a suction system that will remove the fetus, placenta and membranes from the woman’s uterus.
• A follow up appointment should be made with the doctor.

 Possible Complications

• Incomplete abortion
• Pelvic infection
• Heavy bleeding
• Torn cervix
• Perforated uterus
• Blood clots in uterus

Dilation and Curettage Abortion 

• A local anesthetic is applied or injected into or near the cervix to prevent discomfort or pain. 
• The opening of the cervix is gradually stretched with a series of dilators.
• The thickest dilator used is about the width of a fountain pen. 
• A spoon-like instrument (curette) is used to gently scrape the walls of the uterus to remove the fetus, placenta, and membranes.
• A follow up appointment should be made with the doctor.

Possible Complications

• Incomplete abortion requiring vacuum aspiration
• Pelvic infection
• Heavy bleeding
• Torn cervix
• Perforated uterus
• Blood clots in uterus

Dilation and Evacuation

• Sponge-like tapered pieces of absorbent material are placed into the cervix. This material becomes moist and slowly opens the cervix. It will remain in place for several hours or overnight. A second or third application of the material may be necessary.
• Following dilation of the cervix, intravenous medications may be given to ease discomfort or pain and prevent infection.
• After a local or general anesthesia has been administered, the fetus and placenta are removed from the uterus with medical instruments such as forceps and suction curettage. Occasionally for removal, it may be necessary to dismember the fetus.

Possible Complications

• Blood clots in the uterus
• Heavy bleeding
• Cut or torn cervix
• Perforation of the wall of the uterus
• Pelvic infection
• Incomplete abortion
• Anesthesia-related complications

Dilation and Extraction

• This method may be performed between 20 and 32 weeks gestation. 
• Sponge-like tapered pieces of absorbent material are placed into the cervix. This material becomes moist and slowly opens in the cervix. It will remain in place for one to two days. A second or third application of the material may be necessary. 
• After a local or general anesthesia has been administered, the fetus and placenta are removed from the uterus with medical instruments such as forceps, suction and curette (a spoon-like instrument). It may be necessary to dismember the fetus.

Possible Complications

• Risks are similar to childbirth
• Uterine infection
• Heavy bleeding
• High blood pressure
• Rare events such as blood clot, stroke or anesthesia-related death

What it does…chemical abortion? 

• RU 486, Mifepristrone (within 4 to 7 weeks after LMP)

This medical abortion is used for women who are within 30 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 misprostol. The combination of these medications causes the uterus to expel the fetus. ¹

Important Warnings:
According to Life Dynamics Incorporated, you have rights regarding abortion:

• You have the right to insist that your abortion is performed by a licensed physician.
• You have the right to know whether this physician has ever had his or her medical license suspended.
• You have the right to know if this physician has a history of medical malpractice.
• You have the right to verify that this physician has medical malpractice insurance to protect and/or compensate you in case you are injured or killed during the procedure.
• You have the right to insist that if you are injured during the procedure you are to be immediately transferred by ambulance to the nearest emergency hospital or trauma center.

REMEMBER: Regardless of your age, marital status or any other factor, no one has the legal right to make you have an abortion. 13

If someone is trying to force you into this decision against your will,
contact ULCC 612.623.3211 or call 1-800-401-6494.