Understanding Abortion Care: Key Facts & Options
Abortion care is an important healthcare service that many people may seek at different stages of their lives. It’s essential to understand the different aspects of abortion, including how common it is, the different methods available, and the possible effects it might have on a person’s health. Since the practice’s inception in 1969, Family Planning Associates Medical Group, now FPA Women’s Health, has been providing the highest standard of medical care for women in a warm, caring environment.
How Common Are Abortions?
Abortions are more common than many people realize. According to various health organizations, it is estimated that about one in four women will have an abortion during their lifetime. This statistic highlights how common and significant abortion care is for many individuals. Having an abortion is a personal decision, and it’s essential to have access to accurate information and quality care.
Primary Methods of Abortion Care
There are two primary types of abortion procedures: medication abortion and surgical abortion. The choice of method typically depends on how far along the pregnancy is and the individual’s health. For patients seeking an entirely private experience, we are pleased to offer safe and effective medication abortion by mail. Whether you simply prefer the privacy of your home or you have issues with transportation getting to one of our 25 locations, the medication abortion by mail process may be the right choice for you.
Medication Abortion
Also known as the abortion pill, this method involves taking two medications—mifepristone and misoprostol. The first pill (mifepristone) blocks the hormone necessary for the pregnancy to continue. The second pill (misoprostol) is taken 24-48 hours later and causes the uterus to expel the pregnancy. This method is usually used during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. The abortion pill method is extremely effective with a success rate of nearly 95%.
Surgical Abortion
This procedure is often recommended for pregnancies that are beyond 10 weeks or when a medication abortion is not suitable. The most common surgical method is called aspiration or vacuum aspiration. During this procedure, a healthcare provider uses a gentle suction to remove the pregnancy tissue from the uterus. In some cases, other surgical methods, such as dilation and curettage (D&C), may be used.
Comparison of Abortion Methods
| Method Type | Gestational Age | Success Rate/Success Statistics |
|---|---|---|
| Medication Abortion (The Pill) | First 10 weeks | Nearly 95% success rate; only 2-3% require follow-up. |
| Surgical Abortion (Aspiration) | Beyond 10 weeks or when pills are unsuitable | Highly effective medical procedure. |
Safety and Considerations
Medication abortion by mail is extremely safe and effective. However, it is important that you understand the risks of forgoing an ultrasound since your clinician is determining the gestational age of the pregnancy by your last regular period. Because there is no ultrasound involved, taking a medication abortion by mail does have more risk than an abortion in the office setting. It is possible that the pregnancy is more advanced than you think or that the pregnancy is growing abnormally. It is also possible that the pregnancy is growing outside of your uterus. This rare (<2%) but dangerous risk, is called an ectopic pregnancy.
What Happens Before an Abortion Is Done?
Before an abortion, there are several important steps to ensure that the procedure is safe and appropriate for you:
- Consultation: The first step is to meet with a healthcare provider who will discuss your pregnancy and your options.
- Ultrasound: An ultrasound may be performed to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy.
- Counselling: Many healthcare providers offer counselling to help you process your feelings and discuss any concerns you may have.
- Pre-Procedure Care: You will also be advised on what to expect during the procedure and how to care for yourself afterwards.
Does Having an Abortion Affect Your Future Health?
One of the common concerns people have about abortion is whether it will affect their future health, especially their ability to get pregnant in the future. Fortunately, most people who have an abortion do not experience any long-term health problems. According to medical research, an abortion does not affect a person's fertility or increase the risk of future pregnancy complications, such as miscarriage or premature birth. However, as with any medical procedure, there can be risks. It’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.