Abortions in the United States are common. In fact, more than 1 in 3 American women have had an abortion by the time they are 45 years old, according to Planned Parenthood. Women who are planning to have an abortion should do so as early as possible in the pregnancy, but it is also important for them to carefully consider all factors and make a well-thought-out decision. Women should thoroughly discuss all their questions and concerns with a doctor.
Safety
Although both medical and surgical abortions can cause serious complications, this is rare. In fact, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes that fewer than 1 in 100 women have complications from an early abortion, and 2 in 100 women have complications from a later abortion. Abortions also generally do not reduce a woman’s ability to get pregnant again in the future.
Teenage Abortions
Most states mandate that a teenager notify one or both parents before she is legally able to get an abortion. Some states also require that one or both parents give their consent for the procedure. A teenager who lives in one of these states often can file a petition requesting a judge’s approval to obtain an abortion without notifying her parents or obtaining their approval. Although judges rarely turn down teenagers who file these petitions, the legal route is time-consuming and teenagers may feel intimidated by the process, explains the American Academy of Pediatrics. Doing so may also delay the abortion and result in a riskier or more expensive procedure.
Medical Abortions
Medical abortions use a medication to end a pregnancy. It requires three doctor visits. On the first visit, the woman takes either the medication mifepristone or the medication methotrexate. These medications stop the pregnancy from continuing. A few days later, she returns and takes the medication misoprostol. This medication makes the uterus contract and empty. The bleeding that results from this may last for several weeks. A follow-up visit with a doctor a few weeks later ensures that the medicine was effective and that the pregnancy has ended. Medical abortions are approximately 97 percent effective, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Surgical Abortion
Doctors may perform one of two surgical procedures to end a pregnancy. A manual vacuum aspiration, also referred to as an MVA, uses a handheld tool that uses suction to empty the womb. A dilatation and evacuation, sometimes called a D&E, uses a suction machine and tools to perform the procedure. Before the procedure, a doctor usually gives the woman medication to calm her. He then uses an injection to numb the cervix. During the procedure, the doctor inserts a tube into the cervix and empties the uterus. Women who are less than 12 weeks pregnant can opt for a surgical abortion. This type of abortion is nearly 100 percent effective, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Labor-Inducing Abortions
A doctor typically induces labor with drugs for late-pregnancy abortions. A doctor injects a medication into the uterus or administers the medication through an intravenous line to trigger the uterus to begin contracting. This typically results in labor occurring within 12 hours and the abortion occurring within 12 to 24 hours, explains the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Effects
The effects of an abortion vary depending upon the individual woman and the circumstances surrounding the abortion. Abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, diarrhea and bleeding often occur. Normal menstruation usually returns approximately four to six weeks after an abortion, but women can get pregnant again before this time, so they should use birth control immediately to avoid another unwanted pregnancy. Women may also experience a wide range of emotions after an abortion. Some women are relieved to have the procedure over, while others may feel sad or guilty. Women who are having trouble managing their feelings after an abortion should consider seeking counseling.
Warning
Women who bleed through more than two sanitary pads in an hour, have pain after taking pain medication or have a fever above 100 degrees for more than four hours after having an abortion should call a doctor.
