| Abortion Procedures/ Risks |
Suction Curettage is the most common surgical abortion procedure used. This procedure is used within 6 to 14 weeks after the Last Menstrual Period.
In this procedure,
the doctor opens the cervix with a dilator (a metal rod) or laminaria
(thin sticks derived from plants and inserted hours before the
procedure). The doctor inserts tubing into the uterus and connects the
tubing to a suction machine. The suction pulls the fetus’ body apart and
out of the uterus. One variation of this procedure is called Dilation
and Curettage (D&C). In this method, the doctor may use a curette, a
loop-shaped knife, to scrape the fetal parts out of the uterus.
Some side effects
may occur with induced abortion. These include abdominal pain and
cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Complications may happen in as
many as 1 out of 100 early abortions and in about 1 out of every 50
later abortions. Such complications may include:
>Heavy Bleeding
>Infection
>Incomplete Abortion
>Allergic Reaction to Drugs
>Tearing of the Cervix
>Scarring of the Uterine Lining
>Perforation of the Uterus
>Damage to Internal Organs
>Death (In extreme cases)
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| RU-486 (Must be taken no later than 49 days from the first day of your last period.)
There
are two pills that cause this chemical abortion. The first dosage of
pills is Mifepristone, which blocks progesterone. Progesterone is the
hormone that sustains the lining of the uterus. Mifepristone shuts off
the blood supply from the developing embryo; cutting off nutrition,
fluids, and oxygen. The second pill taken is Misoprostol, which induces
labor, causing your body to expel the dead embryo.
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Side-effects and risks may include:
abdominal pain, vomiting, viral infections, and uterine hemorrhage. if
RU-486 results in an incomplete abortion, a surgical procedure is
required.
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For information on additional procedures, please feel free to contact the Pregnancy Care Center (PCC). The PCC does not perform, refer for, or recomment abortions, but offers free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and information on pregnancy options.
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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
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Some women, following an abortion, suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder related to the abortion experience. For some, this is immediate; for others, it can arise years later.
Some aspects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder related to abortion may include:
>Guilt
>Anger
>Anxiety
>Depression
>Suicidal Thoughts
>Anniversary Grief
>Flashbacks of Abortion
>Relationship Problems
>Eating Disorders
>Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Pamphlet referenced: Before you Decide, An Abortion Education Resource, Updated 2008, Care Net
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