Before 14 Weeks

Medical: Abortion Pill

This drug is only approved for use in women up to the 49th day after their last menstrual period. The procedure usually requires three office visits. At the first visit pills are given to cause the death of the embryo. Two days later if the abortion has not occurred she is given a second drug which causes cramps to expel the embryo. The last visit is to determine if the procedure has been completed. The abortion pill will not work in the case of an ectopic pregnancy.

An ectopic pregnancy is a potentially life-threatening condition in which the embryo lodges outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. If not diagnosed early, the tube may burst, causing internal bleeding and in some cases, the death of the woman.

Surgical: Suction Curettage about 6 to 14 weeks after LMP

This is the most common surgical abortion procedure. Because the fetus is larger, the doctor must first stretch open the cervix using metal rods. Opening the cervix may be painful, so local or general anesthesia is typically needed. After the cervix is stretched open, the doctor inserts a hard plastic tube into the uterus, and then connects this tube to a suction machine. The suction pulls the fetus’ body apart and out of the uterus. The doctor may also use a loop-shaped tool called a curette to scrape the fetus and fetal parts out of the uterus. (The doctor may refer to the fetus and fetal parts as “products of conception.")

Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) From 13 to 24 weeks after LMP

This surgical abortion is done during the second trimester of pregnancy. At this point in pregnancy, the fetus is too large to be broken up by suction alone and will not pass through the suction tubing. In this procedure the cervix must be opened wider than in a first trimester abortion. This is done by inserting numerous thin rods made of seaweed (called laminaria) a day or two before the abortion. Once the cervix is stretched open, the doctor pulls out the fetal parts with forceps. The fetal skull is often crushed to ease removal. A loop-shaped tool called a curette is also used to scrape out the contents of the uterus, removing any remaining tissue.

Late Term Abortion From about 20 Weeks after LMP to full-term

This procedure typically takes place over three days, uses local anesthesia, and are associated with increased risk to life and heath of the mother. On the first day, under ultrasound guidance, the fetal heart is injected with a medication that stops the heart and causes the fetus to die. Over the first two days the cervix is gradually stretched open using laminaria. On the third day, the amniotic sac is burst and drained. The fetus is removed in a similar manner to the D & E procedure.

Do you really understand the risks?

Physical Risks

Abortion carries the risk of significant complications such as bleeding, infection and damage to organs. Serious medical complications occcur infrequently in early abortions, but increase with later abortions. Getting complete information on the risks associated with abortion is limited due to incomplete reporting and the lack of record-keeping linking abortins to complications.

Emotional Risks

Following abortion, many women experience an immediate feeling of relief but later find themselves coping with feelings they did not expect. Months and even years later significant problems develop. There is evidence that abortion is associated with a decrease in both emotional and physical health, long term. Many studies show abortion to be connected to:

1. Clinical depression
2. Drug and alcohol abuse
3. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
4. Suicide

Women who have had an abortion may develop the following symptoms:

• Guilt
• Grief
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Suicidal Thoughts
• Difficulty Bonding with Partner or Children
• Eating Disorders

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, we offer confidential, compassionate support groups designed to help women work through these feelings. You are not alone.

 "March 2008: U.K.'s Royal College of Psychiatrists warns that abortions can lead to mental illness and calls for adequate informed consent." 

Spiritual Risks

People have different understandings of God. Whatever your beliefs are, there is a spiritual side of abortion to be considered. Questions about core issues begin to emerge. Who are you really? Why do you exist? How do you view the world? How you see your life and existence will greatly influence your decision about the life of your unborn baby. What is God’s desire for you in this situation? Do you know that He has a plan for your life and that of your baby? He cares about the choice you are making right now. These are important questions to consider.

References found in 'before you decide" 2008.