What Is the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill, also known as medication abortion, consists of two different abortion pills that terminate the pregnancy. Only women up to 10 weeks of pregnancy are eligible for the abortion pill. An ultrasound is the only way to accurately confirm how far along you are in your pregnancy and that the pregnancy is viable. It is also required in the state of Ohio prior to any abortion procedure, including the abortion pill. The first abortion pill, Mifepristone, blocks the progesterone hormone and causes the lining of the uterus to thin, and stops the embryo from staying implanted or growing. The second abortion pill, Misoprostol, makes the uterus contract and releases the embryo through the vagina. Many women think this process is as easy as taking a pill, and it’s over. Unfortunately, it’s not quite that simple.

How do I know if I am pregnant?

If you have had unprotected sex or experienced a failure of birth control and are having symptoms such as a late or missed period, tender or swollen breasts, fatigue, food cravings, aversions or nausea, you may be pregnant. Your first step in confirming your pregnancy is to receive a lab-quality pregnancy test followed up by an obstetrical ultrasound. We offer these tests and more free of charge at Ivy Women’s Center.

When should I take a pregnancy test?

When you become pregnant, your body will begin to produce the pregnancy hormone, known as hCG. It may take up to a week after a missed period for your body to produce enough of this hormone to be detected by a home pregnancy test. The best time to take a pregnancy test and obtain the most accurate results is 1-2 weeks after a missed period.

Why is it important to be tested for an STD while pregnant?

Left untreated, an STD can carry serious health risks, especially through a pregnancy. Regardless of the decisions you make about your pregnancy, it’s important to be tested and treated if an infection is present. This testing and treatment will help to prevent conditions such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and other serious complications to your long term reproductive health. Testing is quick and convenient, taking place during the same appointment as your consultation.

Is abortion legal in Ohio?

Yes. Abortion is legal in Ohio with the following restrictions, which are in place for the protection and safety of women: Women must receive state-mandated counseling at least 24 hours prior to having an abortion procedure. FDA protocols must be followed when providing a medical abortion Parental consent is required for minors prior to an abortion Women must receive an ultrasound prior to an abortion Abortions after 22 weeks of gestation are only available when the woman’s life is in danger.

Can I order the abortion pill online in Ohio?

Ohio state law and the FDA protocols require a doctor’s prescription for the abortion pill. This law is in place to protect women from potentially harmful pills ordered online and to make sure the abortion pill is taken within the correct window of time during the pregnancy (prior to 10 weeks).

Is it important to have an ultrasound?

Once a positive result is received on your lab-quality pregnancy test, the next step is to have a limited ultrasound. An ultrasound is not only required if you are considering an abortion, but it will also reveal important information about the pregnancy that is crucial to your health and safety. It will also help determine what type of abortion procedure is available to you.

What Are the Different Types of Abortion?

This woman is thinking about the types of abortion

Considering Abortion for Your Unplanned Pregnancy? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you’re likely considering your options. Abortion may seem like a solution, but it’s essential to understand the types of abortion available and the risks involved. At Ivy Women’s Center, we offer free services to help you make an informed decision that’s right for you. Before we discuss the different types of abortion, let’s talk about two important steps that should come prior to making an abortion decision.

Step 1: Start with a Pregnancy Test
If you think you might be pregnant, confirming the pregnancy with a lab-quality test is the first step. At Ivy Women’s Center, we offer free, confidential pregnancy tests to provide you with accurate, reliable results. Even if you’ve already taken an at-home test, it’s important to get the confirmation you need from a professional test.

Step 2: Follow-Up With an Obstetric Ultrasound
After confirming your pregnancy, the next step is to have an ultrasound. A pregnancy test alone cannot provide all the information you need. An ultrasound gives you vital details, such as how far along your pregnancy is, the viability of the pregnancy, and if there are any complications like an ectopic pregnancy.

Up to 25% of pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. If you’ve had a miscarriage, an abortion may no longer be necessary. Our free ultrasound will help you understand your situation more clearly and guide your decision.

Make an Appointment

Understand the Types of Abortion: Medical vs. Surgical

If you’re considering abortion, the method depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy. Here’s what you need to know about the two main types of abortion procedures:

1. Medical Abortion (The Abortion Pill)

The abortion pill is a medical abortion using two drugs to terminate a pregnancy. In Ohio, this method is available up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. The first pill blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for the pregnancy to grow, and the second pill causes the uterus to expel the pregnancy.

While the abortion pill is generally safe, it does come with risks, including:

Incomplete abortion requiring additional procedures
Heavy bleeding and intense cramping
Infection

2. Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion is performed in a clinic, and the procedure varies depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy. Common methods include:

Vacuum or Suction Aspiration: Uses suction to remove the pregnancy.
Dilation and Curettage (D&C): Scrapes the lining of the uterus to remove pregnancy tissue.

Potential risks of surgical abortion include:

Injury to the uterus or cervix
Excessive bleeding
Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes
Scarring that may affect future pregnancies

Is Abortion the Right Choice for You?

Abortion is a major medical and emotional decision. It’s crucial to be fully informed about the procedures, side effects, and potential risks before making your choice. At Ivy Women’s Center, we offer no-cost abortion consultations with our trained Client Advocates who can answer your questions, provide support, and guide you through the next steps.

You don’t have to face this decision alone. Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your options and get the support you need.

Benefits of Being Informed: Why It Matters

Taking the first steps toward confirming your pregnancy at Ivy Women’s Center and understanding your options has several benefits:

Private and confidential results: Your privacy is our priority. All testing and consultations are confidential.
Accurate, lab-quality testing: Confirm your pregnancy with reliable, trusted results.
Treatment options available: If you need treatment for STDs or pregnancy-related concerns, we offer support and options.
Emotional support and guidance: Our trained Client Advocates are here to walk with you through every step of your decision-making process.

Schedule Pregnancy Testing

What are the Different Types of Abortion?

Considering Abortion for Your Unplanned Pregnancy? Here’s What You Need to Know

Understand the Types of Abortion: Medical vs. Surgical

Is Abortion the Right Choice for You?

Benefits of Being Informed: Why It Matters

Leave a Reply Cancel reply