Faqs about abortion

Abortion is one the sensitive topic and talking about it can be difficult. It is important to know the answers about a lot of questions that you have in your mind about it.

There are a lot of myths, but you have the right to know the facts. Here are a few common questions that will help you know the facts about abortion.

Is abortion safe?

Yes, it is safe. There are less than 1% of women who have complications.

Does abortion hurt?

In many women, abortion feels like menstrual cramps. But the doctors give painkillers to suppress the pain.

In the future, will I be able to have children?

There is a myth that abortion causes infertility. Another myth is more number of abortions she has more infertile she becomes. But you can have children in the future.

How early can I have abortion?

It is advisable to get abortions as early as possible. Early abortions are safer and easier. Most of the abortions are performed during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Does abortion increase risk of breast cancer?

Induced abortion does not increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer.

What is medication abortion?

It is a process in which medication is used to end the pregnancy. Abortion pills are given which causes cramping and bleeding for several hours. The bleeding will have large blood clots and the flow will be heavy.

How old should a person be to have an abortion without parental consent?

In the majority of places, a person needs to be above 18 years of age to get an abortion without parental consent.

What is a difference between medical and surgical abortion?

Medical abortion involves abortion pills which are two drugs – Mifepristone, which is taken in the doctor’s office and Misoprostol, which is taken between 24 hours to 48 hours later. Mifepristone breaks down the uterine lining and Misoprostol contracts the uterus and empties it.

Surgical abortion are of two types. First-trimester surgical process which is usually performed up to 12 weeks after the last period.

The patient is given misoprostol at the doctor’s office for opening the cervix. The cervix is cleaned and numbed and later dilated with a metal rod. A narrow flexible tube is inserted into the uterus and fetal tissues are removed using a suction.

The other is later term surgical abortion, which can be done up to 24 weeks.  The process is very similar to the first trimester abortion except thin rods are inserted into the cervix to open it further. With a combination of instruments and methods the fetal tissues are removed from the uterus.

How long does the medical abortion take?

The first pill is given at the doctor’s office and the second one is taken between 24 to 48 hours. 2 to 5 hours after consuming the second pill, heavy bleeding will start.

What are the complications of medical abortion that can arise?

Medical abortion complications are very rare, but they can be excessive bleeding where you have to change around 4 pads in 2 hours, infection which involves fever and chills for more than 4 hours, birth defects if the pregnancy is not terminated or incomplete abortion in which a surgical abortion is needed to end the pregnancy.