Facts You Should Know About Abortions

What is an abortion?

Put simply, abortion is a procedure that terminates a pregnancy in its early stages. If you are considering an abortion, there are many details you should consider beforehand.

This article explores 5 facts about abortions for women. From explaining legality, the types of abortions, describing the process, and informing you about safety, there is a lot to learn.

As with all life-changing decisions, knowledge is your best tool. When you equip yourself with information and fully understand your options, you can make a better decision for yourself and your child while also understanding what to expect.

A patient at Her Choice Birmingham Women's Center getting a free and confidential pregnancy ultrasound.

Are there different kinds of abortions?

Yes. There are four types of abortions in the United States. The availability of these methods varies by the week of pregnancy and state law.

1. Medical Abortion

A medical abortion uses two drugs that work together to terminate a pregnancy. This first drug blocks hormones the embryo needs to live and grow, causing cramping and heavy bleeding 1 to 4 hours after taking it. The second drug contracts the uterus to release its contents. This method can be used up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. Medical abortions can take hours or days.

2. MTX Abortion

This method can be used up to 7 weeks of pregnancy. An MTX abortion uses a cancer drug to stop embryo cells from multiplying. Then another drug contracts the uterus to release the deceased fetus. An MTX abortion causes heavy cramping and bleeding for 4 to 8 hours, and the method takes longer than a medical abortion.

3. Vacuum Aspiration

Vacuum aspiration uses suction to pull the fetus and placenta out of the uterus. This method can only be used during the first trimester. It is typically done in a clinic, and the procedure itself takes minutes. Cramping, bleeding, spotting, nausea, sweating, and dizziness are common physical side effects.

4. Dilation and Evacuation

This method can be used during the second trimester. Often called “D&E,” this method is performed in a clinic over several days. It uses a combination of suction, forceps, dilation, and curettage (scraping of the uterine lining) to end a pregnancy. Physical side effects include pain, bleeding, cramping, and nausea.

What does it feel like to have an abortion?

Physically, abortions feel different for everyone. You can expect cramping similar to period cramps. Abortion pills cause women to bleed, so be prepared with pads, hot water bottles, and pain relief medication. Time for resting is recommended.

Emotionally, it’s common to feel loss and sadness. Ending a pregnancy is a traumatic life event compared to the emotions felt after a miscarriage. Close support and post-abortion counseling are highly recommended. Our Center offers free abortion counseling and post-abortion recovery groups.

Are abortions safe?

Like with all medical procedures, there are risks. Not all abortions are reported due to legality, stigma, and other reasons. Because of this, and accurate number of complications is not available.

According to an NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology) report in November 2020, primary abortion complications include infection and bleeding from pregnancy tissue left in the uterus. Additional complications like perforations to the vagina, cervix, uterus, bowels, or bladder from surgical tools, uterine infection, and failed abortions are also possible.

a girl weighs her choices about abortion

Is abortion the right decision for you?

This is a question only you know the answer to. At Her Choice Birmingham Women’s Center, we can answer questions and discuss all your available options to help you explore next steps.

Are you interested in discussing our free and confidential services? There’s no commitment, and every conversation we have with you is confidential. From ultrasounds and pregnancy tests to counseling and support groups, Her Choice Birmingham Women’s Center is a welcoming place for women seeking more information.

Request an appointment with Her Choice Birmingham Women’s Center today. Walk-ins are welcome during office hours, however we can serve you better with an appointment. We understand the weight of the decisions you’re facing. You’re not alone, request an appointment, give us a call at (205) 252-0706 and let us help. You matter to us.

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Which services would you like to make an appointment for?(Required)

Check one or more services. Remember, all services are confidential and free.

Pregnancy Test

Pregnancy Ultrasound

Pre Abortion Information

After Abortion Recovery

Community Referrals

Other

To schedule a free appointment:

Call (205) 252-0706

Text (205) 252-0706

or fill out our online appointment form.

Appointments preferred. Walk-ins welcome.

After Hours: Call 1-800-712-HELP (4357) 24 hours a day.

Her Choice Birmingham Women’s Center serves the surrounding communities of Birmingham, Alabama helping women facing an unplanned pregnancy, to work through their options. We offer free and confidential pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, counseling, support after abortion, and parent resources for women in the Birmingham area.

2120 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233