Abortion
Information.
Schedule an Appointment.
Schedule an appointment to speak to a nurse about abortion options, questions, and concerns. A Door of Hope Pregnancy Center does not refer or perform abortions. We provide the information you will need to make a decision about your pregnancy.
Medical or Chemical Abortion1
(Abortion Pills)
Medical or chemical abortion is accomplished by using a combination of two medications (common names are MifeprexTM, Mifepristone, RU-486, Misoprostol, or Cytotec).
This combination of pills is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in women up to 70 days (10 weeks) after their last menstrual period (LMP). It blocks the hormone, progesterone, which is necessary for the continuation of pregnancy and causes cramping and bleeding to expel the embryo.
What
A combination of two medications. The first medication is taken at the abortion clinic. The second medication is taken at home 1-2 days later.
When
Up to 10 weeks after your last menstrual period (LMP).
How
Day 1: Swallow Mifepristone.
Day 2 or 3: Take Misoprostol. Cramping and bleeding typically begin within 24-48 hours which expels the baby.
Day 7 to 14: Follow up with provider to check if abortion is complete.
Known Side Effects:
Abdominal Pain
Cramping
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Headaches
Dizziness
Fever and Chills
Potential Risks:
Excessive Bleeding
Seeing embryonic parts expelled.
Some pregnancies fail to abort.
In pregnancies that continue, Misoprostol may cause birth defects.
1% of women need a D&C to stop bleeding.
Undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy.
Possible life-threatening infection.
Psychological distress, often long-lasting.
If you have taken the first medication and do not wish to proceed with an abortion, call the Abortion Pill Reversal Hotline at 1-877-558-0333.
Early Surgical Abortion2
Medical or chemical abortion is accomplished by using a combination of two medications (common names are MifeprexTM, Mifepristone, RU-486, Misoprostol, or Cytotec).
This combination of pills is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in women up to 70 days (10 weeks) after their last menstrual period (LMP). It blocks the hormone, progesterone, which is necessary for the continuation of pregnancy and causes cramping and bleeding to expel the embryo.
What
Dilation with Suction/Aspiration. If needed, curettage (a scraping of the inside of the uterus) is performed to ensure that all fetal tissue is removed.
When
Up to 14 weeks LMP.
How
1. Cervix stretched open using dilating rods.
2. Plastic suction tube inserted in the uterus & connected to an electric or manual vacuum device that pulls the baby’s body apart & out.
3. A curette may also be used to scrape any remaining fetal parts out of the uterus.
4. Removed tissue examined to verify completeness of abortion.
Known Side Effects:
Bleeding and cramping that can last for several weeks.
Potential Risks:
Excessive Bleeding
Infection
Incomplete abortion.
Allergic reaction to medications.
Injury to cervix, uterus, or other organs.
Psychological distress, often long-lasting.
If you have any further questions about abortion and would like to speak with a nurse please call our office at 302-998-9000.
Later Surgical Abortion3
(Also known as Dilation and Evacuation or D&E)
Medical or chemical abortion is accomplished by using a combination of two medications (common names are MifeprexTM, Mifepristone, RU-486, Misoprostol, or Cytotec).
This combination of pills is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in women up to 70 days (10 weeks) after their last menstrual period (LMP). It blocks the hormone, progesterone, which is necessary for the continuation of pregnancy and causes cramping and bleeding to expel the embryo.
What
Dilation with Evacuation
When
After 14 weeks LMP.
How
1. Cervix is softened 1-2 days prior to scheduled abortion.
2. Local anesthetic & sedation or general anesthesia is given.
3. Cervix is further stretched open with dilating rods.
4. Forceps used to pull fetal parts out through cervix.
5. Removed tissue examined to verify completeness of abortion.
6. A curette and/or suction is used to remove any remaining tissue or blood clots.
Known Side Effects:
Bleeding and cramping that can last for several weeks.
Potential Risks:
Excessive bleeding.
Incomplete abortion with retained tissue.
Adverse reactions to anesthesia.
Infection.
Injury to cervix, uterus, or other organs.
Psychological distress, often long-lasting.
If you have any further questions about abortion and would like to speak with a nurse please call our office at 302-998-9000.
[1]“Early Non-Surgical Abortion.” Before You Decide, ED 3.1 2020, pgs. 15-16.
[2] “Early Surgical Abortion.” Before You Decide, ED 3.1 2020, pgs. 17-18.
[3] “Later Term Abortions.” Before You Decide, ED 3.1 2020, pgs. 19-20.