Considering Abortion?
Before taking any next steps, it is important to understand what each option entails for your body and health. Our patient advocates are here to walk you through your options at no cost and in complete confidentiality.
Start With the Basics
The gestational age, or how far along you are, affects every option available to you. It is one of the most important things to know and directly impacts your next steps.
If you have not yet confirmed your pregnancy or how far along you are, that is a great place to begin. Alpha Clinics offers no-cost, medical-grade pregnancy testing and, if eligible, a limited ultrasound performed by trained medical staff.
Medical Abortion
Medical abortion, commonly referred to as the abortion pill, is a two-drug process that is FDA-approved through 10 weeks of gestation.
The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone to stop the pregnancy from progressing. The second drug, misoprostol, is taken 24 to 48 hours later and causes the body to expel the pregnancy and related tissue through cramping and vaginal bleeding.
Possible side effects can include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Fatigue
Potential risks include:
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- An incomplete abortion requiring follow-up surgical treatment
- In some cases, the drugs may not work, and the pregnancy continues
Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion is a procedure performed in a clinic setting that uses suction and medical instruments to end the pregnancy. The method used depends on how far along you are and is typically performed under local anesthesia or sedation.
Risks may include:
- Uterine perforation
- Cervical damage
- Scarring of the uterine lining, which may affect future fertility
- Infection
Cramping and bleeding in the days following the procedure are also common.
No Rush. No Pressure.
Our patient advocates are here to sit with you, answer every question you have, and make sure you leave feeling informed, not rushed.
Book your no-cost, confidential appointment today.
Alpha Clinics does not perform or refer for abortions.