Like many medical decisions, abortion has short-term and long-term implications. You need the facts about abortion procedures before moving forward with a pregnancy option.
Coweta Pregnancy Services will help you learn about the risks and side effects of abortion. You can ask any questions you’d like; rest assured you’re in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
Medical Abortion/The Abortion Pill
There are two types of abortion procedures. The first, medical abortion, uses drugs to end a pregnancy. Medical abortions are FDA-approved through 10 weeks gestation, so taking these drugs past the recommended gestational age could have health implications.
You may have heard of medical abortion referred to as “the abortion pill.”
If you have a medical abortion, you’ll take mifepristone first, which blocks progesterone and prevents the pregnancy from developing. Then, you’ll take misoprostol, which causes uterine contractions that expel the pregnancy and related tissues from the uterus.
Medical abortions always cause abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. You can also have side effects such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Diarrhea
You could experience a medical abortion-related risk. While unlikely, one can happen and includes:
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
- Heavy, prolonged bleeding
- Incomplete abortion (which may require a surgical procedure)
- An ongoing pregnancy (if the drugs don’t work)
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortions are performed later in pregnancy and use drugs, surgical instruments, and/or suctioning. The type of procedure you have depends on several factors, including your gestational age.
As with medical abortion, you’ll have abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. The risks of a surgical abortion procedure, while rare, can be severe and include:
- Infection
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Uterine perforation (this occurs when a surgical instrument pokes a hole in the uterus)
- Damage to the cervix
Understanding Georgia State Law
It’s crucial to understand Georgia’s abortion law before seeking an abortion in the state. Due to the Living Infants Fairness and Equality (LIFE) Act, abortion in Georgia is banned when a fetal heartbeat can be detected (usually around 6 weeks gestation).
Exceptions are made when a pregnancy is determined to be futile (the health issues are incompatible with life, meaning the child will likely not survive after birth), in a medical emergency, and cases of rape or incest when the woman is fewer than 20 weeks along and has filed a police report.
We understand that weighing your options during this time can be stressful. That’s why we’re committed to providing accurate information about abortion, parenting, and adoption. You deserve the facts.
Before Deciding
Before you make a pregnancy decision, you should confirm key pregnancy details with an ultrasound. This scan can help you better understand your options and protect your health.
Speaking with a medical provider is also crucial. They can determine your eligibility for an abortion and review abortion procedures, including the abortion pill.
Remember, you may be unable to receive an abortion in Georgia if a fetal heartbeat can be detected. If this is the case, you would need to travel out of state for a procedure, which can result in additional costs for transportation, lodging, and follow-up care.
Coweta Pregnancy Services provides limited ultrasounds following a positive pregnancy test at our center. Our advocates can review your pregnancy options and ensure you have the information to make an informed decision.
Schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment today to learn more.