Few moments in life are as emotional as finding out that you’re unexpectedly pregnant. Your mind may be racing with questions, what-ifs, and playing out scenarios you’ve never imagined.
As the reality of your pregnancy settles in, you may need help even thinking about which questions to ask as you navigate the right path forward for you, especially if you’re considering abortion.
Hope Women’s Center offers a free, confidential pre-abortion consultation where you can get real answers before deciding anything. Schedule a free appointment to start.
Questions to Ask About the Abortion Pill
How does the abortion pill work?
The name “abortion pill” is a little confusing. The full regimen actually involves taking two different drugs to complete the abortion.
- Mifepristone is taken first. It blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to sustain the pregnancy. When there is not enough progesterone, the embryo or fetus will not be able to remain attached to the uterine lining, and the pregnancy will end.
- Misoprostol is taken next, about 24 to 48 hours later, and causes the uterus to contract. The contractions expel the pregnancy and related tissue through the vagina.
These powerful drugs cause vaginal bleeding and uterine cramping that can be painful and last for days.
Are there factors that make the abortion pill unsafe?
The abortion pill is only approved by the FDA up to 10 weeks of gestation.
Beyond how far along you are, there are pre-existing conditions that can make the abortion pill unsafe. Some include:
- Having an ectopic pregnancy (which requires urgent medical care instead of taking the abortion pill)
- Taking certain drugs, such as particular steroid medicines or blood thinners
- Having medical conditions such as a bleeding disorder or having an IUD in place
If you don’t have access to emergency medical care, the abortion pill can be especially unsafe if you experience complications.
What are the risks of the abortion pill?
The abortion pill is often assumed to be simple, painless, and risk-free. However, it does come with potential complications, which can include one or more of the following:
- Severe pain
- An incomplete abortion (which can lead to a potentially life-threatening infection)
- Heavy bleeding and/or prolonged bleeding
- Emotional distress like regret, anxiety, or depression
Questions to Ask About Surgical Abortion
Will a doctor perform the abortion?
Not every state requires a doctor to perform surgical abortions. Because abortion is not legal in the state of Texas, getting a surgical abortion means traveling out of state.
It’s important to check who would be performing an abortion and decide if you are comfortable with their qualifications before getting an abortion.
Could I have an STI?
Certain STIs may increase the risk of developing an infection after the abortion if they aren’t identified and treated first. Even if you don’t have symptoms, you could still have an STI, which is why testing is an important part of protecting your health.
Hope Women’s Center offers STI testing for free so you can know for sure and get the treatment you need.
What are the clinic’s procedures in the event of a complication or emergency?
Every medical procedure carries risks. Ask who you should contact if you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, or other concerning symptoms after you leave the clinic.
Find out whether the clinic provides after-hours support or if you would need to seek emergency medical care elsewhere.
What are the risks of surgical abortion?
Depending on the type of surgical abortion, risks can include heavy bleeding, infection, damage to the cervix, uterine perforation, retained pregnancy tissue (an incomplete abortion), and, in rare cases, scar tissue that can affect the uterus.
Understanding how often these complications occur, what warning signs to watch for, and whether you have any personal risk factors can help you make a fully informed decision. Before consenting to any procedure, make sure all of your questions have been answered.
Make an Appointment at Hope Women’s Center
You likely have many thoughts racing through your mind, and we’re here to help.
Schedule your free, confidential appointment at Hope Women’s Center in McKinney to confirm your pregnancy and discuss your options in a safe, supportive environment.
Hope Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortions. A no-cost appointment is still the place to get your specific questions answered.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
