Important Facts About Abortion

Medical Abortion

The FDA has approved Medication Abortion 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: Typically the first pill is given at the abortion clinic. This pill blocks the pregnancy hormones that support the embryo.

Second Step: When choosing to continue the procedure, the second pill will be taken 6-48 hours later, usually at home. The second medication causes the uterus to cramp and expel the embryo. Average cramping and bleeding lasts 24-48 hours and is often accompanied by heavy bleeding.

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 the possibility of 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, cramps, 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.