What Are the Different Types of Abortion?

If you’re considering abortion for your unintended pregnancy, you owe it to yourself to get the facts, ask questions, and make a decision without pressure. 

There are many reasons why you may be researching this option. Perhaps you already have children and are struggling to make ends meet, or your relationship recently ended, and you’re unsure how much support you’ll receive if you continue the pregnancy.

No matter your situation, you deserve thorough information on all your options—and to learn the risks and side effects of abortion procedures.

Treasure Valley Path provides free guidance and support during this time. Continue reading to learn about abortion and what you should do before making a decision. 

Understanding Abortion

First, know that abortion in Idaho is illegal, except in circumstances when it’s deemed necessary to save the woman’s life and for rape and incest within the first trimester.

This means that, in most cases, having an abortion in the state will not be possible.

It’s also critical to remember that there are multiple types of abortion procedures, each with its own risks and side effects. You may have heard of them before: medical abortion (also called the abortion pill) and surgical abortion. 

Learning about each one will help you protect your health and safety.

Medical Abortion

Medical abortion is FDA-approved through 10 weeks gestation and uses drugs to end and expel the pregnancy.

The first drug is called mifepristone, which blocks a hormone called progesterone. Progesterone supports the pregnancy’s growth and development, and without it, the pregnancy will detach from the uterine lining and end.

After mifepristone is taken, misoprostol comes next. This drug causes uterine contractions that expel the pregnancy from the body. Abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding will occur as these drugs are taken.

Potential side effects of medical abortion include:

  • Upset stomach

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

  • Fever 

  • Chills

  • Headache

Additionally, taking abortion drugs is associated with specific risks, including: 

  • 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 pregnancy tissue remains in the body (this may require surgical treatment)

Learning everything you can about abortion procedures will help you make a thoughtful decision. If medical abortion is not an option, some women undergo a surgical abortion procedure. It’s essential to learn about this method before selecting an option. 

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion uses various techniques to end a pregnancy, including drugs, surgical instruments, and suctioning.

During the first trimester, a woman may receive a sedative to relax her during the procedure. Her cervix may be numbed before small rods are inserted to dilate it manually. Then, a small tube will be placed into the uterus to suction and remove the pregnancy and related tissue.

If she is farther along, surgical tools may also be used to remove parts of the pregnancy. The procedure can occur over several days if it is more complex.

Bleeding and cramping will occur after the procedure, with recovery lasting longer if the pregnancy was further along.

Though it is rare to experience complications, it’s still important to learn about surgical abortion-associated risks, which include:

  • Damage to the uterus or cervix

  • Uterine perforation (when a surgical instrument pokes a hole in the uterus)

  • Excessive bleeding

  • Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes

  • Scarring of the inside of the uterus

  • Reaction to the drugs or anesthesia, such as problems breathing

  • Not removing all of the tissue, requiring another procedure

If you’re thinking about abortion, it’s vital to learn everything you can about your pregnancy and all your options. This decision affects you most, so you deserve to access the information you need in a non-judgmental setting. We can help.

Facing an Unintended Pregnancy?

When weighing your options, you need reliable answers. Treasure Valley Path provides various no-cost services, including pregnancy consultations and ultrasounds, to help you move forward and protect your health and safety.

We’re here for you. Schedule an appointment today.

Treasure Valley Path does not provide or refer for abortions. 

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

Abortion in Idaho is illegal, with exceptions for when it’s deemed necessary to save the mother’s life and for rape/incest within the first trimester.

Web Dev