Many women have surgical or medication abortions and have no medical complications, but there are significant risks associated with each type of abortion. Common side effects include cramping, excessive bleeding. Although very rare, death is a serious possibility from abortion complications.

Medication abortion uses drugs to terminate an early pregnancy. This method of abortion is used for women up to 70 days after their last menstruation (FDA, 2018). It can involve up to 3 office visits and may require a surgical procedure if the medical abortion is incomplete. The process includes taking the first pill by mouth. 24-48 hours later, the second pill, misoprostol, is taken. 7-14 days later, the patient should follow up with their healthcare provider (FDA, 2018).

The drugs used for a medication abortion are mifepristone (the brand name is Mifeprex) and misoprostol. They are used together to end an early pregnancy. Mifeprex blocks progesterone, a hormone that is necessary for developing pregnancies. Misoprostol induces contractions to expel the developing fetus.

ella®, which contains ulipristal acetate (UPA), is an emergency contraceptive. It is only available with a prescription. It can still fail even with correct use and does not protect against Sexually transmitted diseases. Do not use if you are already pregnant. Side effects include nausea or vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, headache, breast tenderness, bleeding between periods or heavier menstrual bleeding, lower abdominal pain or cramps (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2019).

Again, it all depends on the type of procedure. Abortions can cost anywhere between $500 and $5,000. Medical costs also depend on whether or not there are any complications that require future medical care.

You must have a prescription to obtain abortion pills. Therefore, it is illegal to obtain them over-the-counter or online. Some doctors will do online video consultations for medical abortions (abortion pills). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that it is illegal to purchase the pills online and that they must be dispensed in a doctor’s office, health clinic, or hospital by a qualified health care provider. Some women have begun ordering abortion pills from online foreign pharmacies. Not only do you risk arrest, but since these drugs are not regulated in the U.S., you risk health complications due to improper dosage in the drugs (FDA, 2019).

Different abortion procedures are used during different stages of pregnancy. Before you decide to abort, learn about the different types of abortion procedures that may be available to you and their associated risks.

There are two types of surgical abortions: aspiration abortion and dilation & evacuation (D&E). Click here for more information.

Want to learn more? Make an appointment at Woodbury Options for a consultation. Our medical professionals can provide you with a no-cost pregnancy test followed by a limited ultrasound to help you determine what options may be available to you at this stage of your pregnancy.