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Considering Abortion?

Whether abortion is something you never thought you would have to consider, or something you’ve always kept in mind as an option, you deserve to have all the information before making a decision this significant. At truehealth, our caring team can walk you through everything — the procedures, the risks, and all the options available to you — in a safe, no-pressure environment.

Medication Abortion

(Abortion Pill)

A medication abortion uses two medications to end a pregnancy. It is different from emergency contraception (such as Plan B).Before taking abortion medications, it is important to confirm the pregnancy and determine how far along you are. An ultrasound can help identify the location of the pregnancy, estimate gestational age, and rule out an ectopic pregnancy, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical treatment.

A medication abortion generally involves three steps:

STEP ONE

The first medication, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary to sustain the pregnancy.

STEP TWO

The second medication, misoprostol, is taken 24–48 hours later. It causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, and dizziness.

STEP THREE

A follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider is important to confirm that the abortion is complete. If pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus, additional medication or a surgical procedure may be needed.

If you have taken the first abortion pill and are experiencing uncertainty about your decision, seek immediate medical attention. Some physicians offer treatment intended to continue the pregnancy after mifepristone is taken. Research on this approach is ongoing, and its safety and effectiveness remain the subject of medical debate.

Time is an important factor, so prompt medical consultation is essential.

Two Types of
Surgical Abortions

Vacuum Aspiration (Aspiration Abortion / Suction Abortion)

(Typically Up to 12–13 Weeks)

Vacuum aspiration, also called suction aspiration, is a type of in-clinic surgical procedure. This procedure ends a pregnancy by removing the contents of the uterus during the first trimester. It is the most common surgical abortion method and is typically performed between weeks 5 – 12 of pregnancy. During this type of procedure, a thin tube is inserted into the uterus. Suction is then applied to empty out all tissue contained in the uterus.

Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)

(Typically After the First Trimester)

Dilation and evacuation (D&E) is another type of in-clinic abortion procedure that is typically performed during the second trimester. Since the baby is much larger during the second trimester, the procedure becomes more involved. While vacuum aspiration is still part of the procedure, the aid of surgical tools will also be required. Additional measures will be taken into consideration before, during, and after the procedure. These include things like ultrasound, special medication use, or instructions, and potential advanced prep that may be required to ensure everything goes as planned.

Confirm Your Pregnancy First

Before making any decision, it’s important to confirm your pregnancy with lab-quality testing and an ultrasound. An ultrasound tells you how far along you are, whether the pregnancy is viable, and where it’s located — all of which affects what options are available to you. It can also identify complications like miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy early. Truehealth provides all of this at no cost to you.

Before You Decide

Before making any pregnancy decision, we encourage you to learn about all of your options and receive the information you need.