ABORTION PROCEDURES

Mifepristone (RU486), Abortion Pill: This drug is only approved for use in women up to the 49 days (7 weeks) after their last menstrual period. This usually requires three office visits. In the first visit, a woman receives pills to end the life of the embryo. Two days later, if the abortion has not occurred, she is given a second drug that causes cramps to expel the embryo. The third visit is to ensure that the pregnancy has been terminated.

Manual Vacuum Aspiration:
This surgical abortion is done early in the pregnancy up until 7 weeks after the woman's last menstrual period. A long, thin tube is inserted into the uterus. A large syringe is attached to the tube and the embryo is suctioned out.

Suction Curettage:
This is the most common surgical abortion procedure. This procedure is done between 6 to 14 weeks after the woman’s last menstrual period. Since the baby has had more time to develop, this process requires a bit more preparation. The cervix, which is the opening of the uterus, must be stretched. This manual dilation is done by inserting either metal rods or a seaweed product called laminaria that is placed in the cervix and left to absorb moisture and expand the opening. This stretching process can be painful, so local or general anesthetic is typically needed. Once the cervix is opened sufficiently, a hard plastic tube is inserted into the uterus. This tubing is connected to a suction machine, which then suctions out the fetus and the placenta. Sometimes a loop-shaped knife, known as a curette, is used to scrape any remaining uterine lining or fetal body parts from the uterus. This procedure last about 10-15 minutes, but recovery may require a few hours in the clinic.

Dilation and Evacuation (D&E):
This procedure is done between 13 to 24 weeks after a woman’s last menstrual period. Since a women is now in her second trimester, the fetus is too large to be broken up by the suction and will not pass through the tubing. The same dilation process occurs, but rather than using the suction method, the body parts are removed with forceps. A curette may be used to scrape the lining of the uterus, and the final suctioning is used to make sure all the parts were completely removed. The fetal remains are usually examined to ensure that the abortion was complete. This process takes about 30 minutes.

Dilation and Extraction (D&X):
This is the latest stage form of abortion. It usually takes place after the 20 week mark of gestation. This form is also known as partial birth abortion. The procedure takes three days. The first two days are for the purpose of dilating the cervix, using laminaria and pain medication is given for cramping. On the final day, the laminaria are removed and ultrasound is used to locate the legs of the fetus. The doctor grasps the legs with the forceps and proceeds to deliver the baby up to the head. Before the head is removed, the doctor inserts surgical scissors into the base of the skull to create an opening. A suction catheter is then placed into the opening to suction out the brain. Once the contents are removed from the skull the head collapses, and the fetus is completely removed from the birthing canal.

As with any surgery, there are risks to abortion. Side effects occur with induced abortion, whether surgical or by pill. These include abdominal pain and cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Abortion also carries the risk of significant complications such as bleeding, infection, and damage to organs. Serious complications occur in less than 1 out of 100 early abortions and in about 1 out of every 50 later abortions.

In addition to the physical side effects of abortion, many women suffer from emotional and/or psychological stress. If you want more information about the risks of abortion, come talk with one of our peer counselors