Blog

September 24, 2024

You deserve the facts before making a pregnancy decision. If you’re considering abortion, understanding how it ends a pregnancy can help you to make a decision that considers your health and future.

Cleburne Pregnancy Center provides free and confidential information and pregnancy services. This is your decision, and we’ll help you find clarity. 

Make an appointment today to learn more. In the meantime, keep reading to learn more about abortion procedures, risks, and side effects.

Understanding Abortion

Abortion in Texas is illegal, except for certain circumstances in which the pregnant woman’s life or health is at risk.

There are two main types of abortion methods: medical abortion and surgical abortion. 

Medical Abortion

Medical abortion uses drugs to end a pregnancy. It is FDA-approved only through 10 weeks gestation. 

The first drug is called mifepristone. It blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for the pregnancy’s growth and development. Without progesterone, the uterine lining thins, and the pregnancy detaches and ends. 

The second drug, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract. These contractions expel the pregnancy and tissue from the uterus and out of the body. 

Medical abortion drugs cause abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, which can be severe. Other side effects can occur, including:

• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Fever
• Chills

Taking these drugs can also pose health risks:

• Digestive symptoms (i.e., upset stomach)
• Infection
• Fever
• Heavy, prolonged bleeding
• An ongoing pregnancy (if the procedure doesn’t work)
• Incomplete abortion, which occurs when some of the pregnancy tissue remains in the body (this may require surgical treatment)

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion procedures use drugs, suctioning, and/or surgical tools to end a pregnancy. The procedure type is determined by how far along the woman is in her pregnancy and other factors.

Typical side effects of this procedure include spotting or light bleeding and mild cramping. However, risks can occur and may be severe, including:

• Infection
• Perforation of the uterus (this happens when a surgical instrument pokes a hole in the uterus)
• Damage to the cervix
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall (which can lead to painful periods and infertility).

After an abortion procedure, warning signs like worsening fever or pain can indicate a complication. Visiting the nearest emergency room is crucial to receive any needed medical attention. 

Get the Facts Beforehand

You deserve to make an educated decision. Cleburne Pregnancy Center equips you with the facts about your pregnancy options. 

We also provide limited ultrasounds that offer valuable information about your pregnancy. Knowing whether your pregnancy is progressing, its location, and how far along you are protects your health.

Make a free and confidential appointment today. We’re here for you!

Cleburne Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for abortions. Note: Abortion is currently illegal in Texas except in cases of life endangerment, but women cannot be held criminally or civilly liable for seeking one.

All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.