Abortion is a very common medical procedure that terminates a pregnancy before birth.
If you're pregnant, you have options, including parenting and adoption. Only you can decide the best decision for you.
If you're under eighteen, your state may require one or both of your parents to give permission for your abortion. In many states, you can ask a judge to excuse you from these requirements. Here's a listing of abortion parental consent and notification laws.
How Do I Find An Abortion Provider?
Call National Abortion Federation 1-877-257-0012
Planned Parenthood's abortion clinic locator has over 800 locations around the country.
How Much Does An Abortion Cost?
The cost of abortions at health centers ranges from about $350 to $950 (costs vary depending upon how far along you are and what clinic you go to) for a first-trimester abortion.
A second-trimester abortion generally costs more.
Hospital abortions tend to cost more.
Contact the National Abortion Federation to see if you qualify for a loan or financial assistance for an elective abortion: 1-800-772-9100
Two Types of Abortions:
Abortion Pill – also known as RU-486 that ends an early pregnancy. It comes in pill form, and is a combination of two drugs. The first drug is mifepristone, and the second is misoprostol. The abortion pill can be taken up to nine weeks after the first day of the woman's last menstrual period. The abortion pill is effective 97 out of 100 times it is used.
It can take anywhere from a single day to four days after taking the pills for the abortion to be complete. After the first drug is taken, a woman will experience vaginal bleeding; the bleeding may be light or like a heavy period. After the 2nd drug is taken, cramping and heavier bleeding begin – more cramping and bleeding than a normal period. The cramps and clots will last several hours before the greyish gestational sac is passed.
Most women take the abortion pill at home; the staff at the clinic that provided the abortion pill can help you prepare and tell you what to expect.
If cramping or flu-like symptoms (fever, pain, vomiting) last greater than 24 hours, call the clinic staff where you got the abortion pill.
The first period you have after the abortion may be longer or different than periods you had before. By the second period, though, it should be back to normal.
Common Symptoms Associated With The Abortion Pill:
- Dizziness
- Cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Mild fever or chills.
Follow-Up: Following up with your health care provider after an abortion is VERY important. You must make sure that the abortion is complete and that you are healing.
Serious Complications of the Abortion Pill:
Call your doctor IMMEDIATELY if you experience any of the following:
- Clots for two or more hours larger than a lemon.
- Heavy vaginal bleeding, soaking through two or more maxipads for two hours in a row.
- Fever over 100.4 degrees for over four hours.
- Abdominal pain that is unmanageable by medication, heating pad or rest.
- Vomiting for more than four hours so severe you cannot keep anything down.
- Smelly, unpleasant vaginal discharge.
- Any signs you're still pregnant.
Surgical or In-Clinic Abortion Procedures are another option for terminating a pregnancy. For these procedures, the cervix (the lower end of the uterus) is gradually opened with tapered rods, until it is wide enough for a tube called a cannula to fit through it. The cannula is attached to a machine that provides suction; the contents of the uterus are suctioned out through the cannula by the machine. This type of abortion is very effective, and is done within minutes. You can be sedated for the procedure, and it usually only takes one visit.
There are two types of in-clinic abortion procedures.
- Aspiration: This is the most common type of abortion performed, typically before 16 weeks gestation.
- D&E (Dilation and Evacuation): This type of abortion is performed normally after 16 weeks gestation.
Common Problems after an In-Clinic Abortion
- Heavy bleeding for a few days with minor bleeding and spotting for several weeks
- Infection
- Undetected ectopic pregnancy
- Injury to the uterus or cervix
- Incomplete removal of pregnancy
- Blood clots in the uterus
Serious Complications Associated with In-Clinic Abortions
Call your doctor IMMEDIATELY if you experience any of the following:
- Very heavy bleeding: passing of clots larger than a lemon or soaking through two or more pads in an hour
- Pain not helped by medication, heating pads or rest
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Unpleasant, smelly discharge from your vagina
- Signs you are still pregnant
Emotional Issues after an Abortion
While some people feel relief after having an abortion, it's completely normal to feel other emotions, too. It's normal to feel regret, shame, guilt, sadness and anger.
If you are feeling any of these emotions and it's interfering with your ability to carry on your daily duties, please seek help from a doctor or therapist. You can also contact Exhale, an after-abortion talkline.
Related Resource Pages on Band Back Together:
Abortion Hotlines:
Exhale is an after-abortion talk-line that serves women who have abortions, and their partners, friends and family. Exhale respects the cultural, social and religious beliefs of all our callers.
1-866-4 EXHALE (1-866-439–4253)
National Abortion Federation: For unbiased information about abortion and about other resources, including financial assistance, call toll-free:
1-800-772-9100
National Abortion Federation Abortion Provider Finder:
1-877-257-0012
Abortion Resources:
Planned Parenthood is the leading source for abortion and reproductive health information.
Exhale is an after-abortion talkline. It's confidential and serves those who have had abortions or their friends, families and partners.
National Abortion Federation: The National Abortion Federation (NAF) is the professional association of abortion providers in North America. They believe that women should be trusted to make private medical decisions in consultation with their health care providers. NAF currently offers quality training and services to abortion providers and unbiased information and referral services to women.
