Abortion: Options to Consider

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and are not ready to be a parent or there are other limiting circumstances, you may be considering an abortion like a lot of people. However, it is important that you are aware all the information beforehand so you can make a decision that would be the best for you.

 

Things you should consider

Take some time and think through. It is important that you don’t make a rushed decision after getting a positive pregnancy test.

Before you consider an abortion, it is important to ensure whether you are actually pregnant and in what stage of pregnancy you are in. Take a medical-quality test to confirm even if you get positive in a home pregnancy test and are experiencing common pregnancy symptoms.

 

Abortion options

There are several chemical abortion procedures that can be conducted 9 weeks before your last period. If nine weeks have passed, you may require a surgical abortion.

The abortion pill

If you want an abortion under the nine weeks after your last menstrual period, this is the most common technique. It involves Mifepristone, a two-dose drug or RU-486 also called the Abortion Pill.  RU-486 stops the production of the hormone progesterone which is required to support the pregnancy. Whereas Mifepristone terminates pregnancy by causing the uterus lining to shed and the second dose Misoprostol causes the embryo to pass by causing contraction of the uterus. This requires at least two to three trips to the doctor in a period of about two weeks. However, the abortion pill does not work for a small percentage of women and they may need to get a surgical abortion.

Plan B

This over-the-counter emergency contraceptive is supposed to be taken within 48 hours of unprotected sex. It may help avoid pregnancy.

 

Potential risks

This medical procedure understandably comes with possible side effects. The most common include cramping, heavy bleeding, pain, headache, nausea, diarrhea or vomiting. RU-486 can very rarely lead to severe and occasionally lethal bleeding and infections.

For this reason, it is essential to consult a medical professional regarding the side effects associated with abortion.