Discovering an unexpected pregnancy can leave you with more questions than answers, especially if you are weighing abortion.

There are two types of abortion: a medical abortion and a surgical abortion, and while both end a pregnancy, they rely on different methods, apply at different stages, and carry their own risks.

Learning the facts and all your options is an important first step in protecting your health and making the best decision for your future.

Keep reading to learn more and contact LifeLine Pregnancy Center to schedule a free and confidential pregnancy confirmation appointment.

Medical Abortion

A medical abortion, often called the abortion pill, typically involves two drugs.

Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone, which stops the pregnancy from continuing.

Misoprostol is taken next and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy and related tissue through cramping and bleeding.

It’s important to know that the FDA approves this method only through the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.

Side effects of medical abortion can include:

Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Cramping and abdominal pain
Headache or dizziness
Fever or chills

Possible complications of medical abortion include:

Heavy or prolonged bleeding
Incomplete abortion, when tissue remains in the uterus, and a surgical procedure becomes necessary
An ongoing pregnancy if the medication does not work
Infection

Surgical Abortion

A surgical abortion is an invasive procedure used to remove the pregnancy and related tissue from the uterus, performed in a clinic or hospital setting.

The cervix is first dilated so a suction device and surgical instruments can be inserted. This method is often used later in pregnancy than the abortion pill, and cramping or bleeding commonly follows.

Possible risks of surgical abortion include:

Perforation of the uterus
Tearing or damage to the cervix
Scar tissue inside the uterus, which can lead to painful periods or affect future fertility
Heavy bleeding
Infection
Pregnancy tissue remaining in the uterus, which may require further treatment
Reactions to anesthesia or sedation

Mental Health Impacts

Physical risks are only part of the picture for any abortion.

Research has also connected abortion with mental health struggles for some women, including grief, anxiety, sadness, and depression.

Knowing all of these facts ahead of time helps you prepare for every part of the experience.

Why an Ultrasound Comes First

Before any decision, an ultrasound scan is an essential first step.

An ultrasound can confirm how far along you are, whether the pregnancy is viable, and where it is located.

A pregnancy growing outside the uterus is called an ectopic pregnancy, a serious condition that neither type of abortion treats and that needs immediate medical care.

The details you learn from an ultrasound scan determine which options are available to you.

LifeLine Is Here for You

At LifeLine Pregnancy Center, we offer free, confidential pregnancy tests and limited ultrasounds, along with fact-based education so you can understand each of your options.

We do not perform or refer for abortions, but our caring client advocates are ready to answer your questions and walk beside you.

When everything feels uncertain, we want to be a true lifeline of clear information and compassionate support.