An abortion involves using surgery or taking medicines to end a pregnancy.
Its also sometimes referred to as termination of pregnancy, perMedlinePlus.
Why Is an Abortion Performed?
As a result, the ability to access abortion is now determined at the state level.
What Are the Types of Abortion?
There are different ways to perform an abortion.
However, some insurance companies wont cover a medication abortion after seven weeks of pregnancy, notesUCSF.
A medication abortion is about 95 percent effective at helping someone completely pass a pregnancy without surgery.
Mifepristone blocks the action of the hormoneprogesterone, which is important for pregnancy.
Misoprostol prompts the uterus to contract and empty.
A healthcare provider will give you these medicines at a health clinic.
Medication abortions can take up to 24 hours to complete.
Emergencycontraceptionis used to prevent pregnancy, while a medication abortion is used to terminate a pregnancy.
Surgical abortions are usually very successful.
According to Planned Parenthood, they work more than 99 out of every 100 times.
What are the Benefits of an Abortion and Risks of Being Denied One?
A landmark report called The Turnaway Study conducted interviews with almost 1,000 women who were seeking abortions.
Legal abortions are considered safe, with very few lasting risks.
Childbirth is riskier for minorities as well.
Studiesshow that early abortions without complications do not affect a womans futurefertility.
The short-term complications you might experience will depend on the key in of abortion you have.
If abortion is illegal in your state, you could face prosecution for completing a medication abortion.
You might need another procedure if this happens, notesPlanned Parenthood.
These laws might make it challenging to find a provider or clinic.
Planned Parenthoodoffers resources for finding clinics and health centers in your area.
Costs and Insurance Coverage
Planning for the cost of an abortion can be challenging for some people.
While prices vary, an abortion in the first trimester can run up to $1,500, notesPlanned Parenthood.
A second trimester abortionusually costs more.
Some insurance plans cover abortions, but others dont.
Check your policy before scheduling your appointment.
Community health clinics are often a good option for low-cost care.
The centers are funded by the federal government and are usually located in areas with fewer doctors.
How Is an Abortion Performed?
The process will depend on the throw in of abortion you have.
An abortion feels different for everyone.
Some women report intense pain, while others describe it as slight discomfort.
Your doctors and nurses will attempt to make your abortion as comfortable as possible, notesPlanned Parenthood.
Your provider may also give you antibiotics to prevent an infection.
About a week later, youll meet with your provider to confirm the abortion is complete.
D&E Abortion
Youll probably be sedated for a D&E procedure.
First, your doctor will prepare your cervix with medicines that help open it.
Dilator sticks (laminaria) are often given a few hours or a day before a D&E.
Youll wait in a recovery room for up to an hour or until you feel well enough to leave.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From an Abortion?
You might feel tired for a couple of days after this dose, notesPlanned Parenthood.
you might usually resume most normal tasks, such as going to work or driving, the next day.
However, dont perform any strenuous activities, such as heavy exercise, for several days.
You might bleed or spot sporadically for several weeks after your medication abortion.
Youll probably experience some cramping or bleeding.
You might bleed or spot for several weeks, but some people dont bleed at all.
Be sure to follow all your doctors instructions after your procedure.
Many resources are available to help you through the process.
The Guttmacher Institute
The Guttmacher Institute is a nonprofit organization supporting abortion rights.
Their toll-freehotlineprovides callers with abortion referrals and financial assistance services.
you’re free to also locate aproviderin your area right on their website.
They help connect people seeking an abortion with organizations that can assist with the costs of having one.
Next Steps and Recommendations
Most women can start on hormonal or nonhormonalbirth controlimmediately after having an abortion.
If youre interested in a birth control method, your provider can walk you through your options.
Kara Smythe, MD, has been working in sexual and reproductive health for over 10 years.
She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.
She is currently working on her PhD in medical sociology.
Her goal is to compose helpful articles that readers can easily understand and use to improve their well-being.
She is passionate about healthy living and delivering important medical information through her writing.
Prior to her freelance career, Marks was a supervising producer of medical programming for Ivanhoe Broadcast News.
She is a Telly award winner and Freddie award finalist.
