Important Facts About Abortion

Abortion options vary depending on the stage of pregnancy and what state law allows. In Wisconsin, women must first have an ultrasound before an abortion procedure. Our team offers ultrasounds free of charge, which will give you the medical information you need to determine your options.

Medical Abortion (RU486)

The FDA has approved usage of RU-486 to 10 weeks LMP. This non-surgical option is the medication commonly called the “abortion pill”. While the term “abortion pill” seems to indicate a single dose, this process is designed to involve several pills & multiple office visits.

FDA-approved usage:

First Step: RU-486 pill(s) are given at the abortion clinic. This pill blocks the pregnancy hormones that support the embryo.

Second Step: Two days later the woman will take the second medication, which will cause the uterus to cramp and expel the pregnancy. Average cramping and bleeding lasts 9-16 days, but can last more than 30 days.

Third Step: The woman returns to the clinic 7-14 days later to confirm that the abortion is complete. If the abortion is incomplete, RU-486 may be given again or a First Trimester Surgical Abortion may be completed. This happens in 2-7 out of 100 cases. Many clinics give both sets of pills at the first visit and eliminate the second visit. So, the woman is most commonly at home with no medical supervision when the cramping and bleeding begin.

*(US Food & Drug Administration (2016). Mifeprex. Retrieved April 5, 2016.)

Surgical Abortion

There are three options for surgical abortions:

• Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) or Electric Vacuum Aspiration (EVA) – This procedure requires a local anesthetic. It is performed on women up to 14 weeks after their last period.
• Dilation & Curettage (D & C) – Also known as suction curettage or vacuum aspiration abortion, this procedure is performed up to 16 weeks and 6 days after gestation.
• Dilation & Evacuation (D & E) – Like a Dilation & Curettage abortion, a Dilation & Evacuation procedure can also be performed within the first 18 weeks and 6 days after gestation in Wisconsin.

Possible Complications and Expected Recovery Time

The Physical side effects of an abortion procedure can last 2-4 weeks after an abortion and can include:

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bleeding and discharge

It is important you speak with your health care provider and the doctor performing the abortion about possibly side effects.

Complications occur in fewer than 1 in 100 first trimester abortions.

A normal recovery includes irregular bleeding or spotting for the first 2 weeks, camps, similar to menstrual cramps, and possible emotional reactions after an abortion procedure. Feelings of sadness, relief, grief, or guilt are common following an abortion. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make emotions stronger than usual.