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.

How Long Does a Surgical Abortion Take?

When considering abortion, it is common to have questions about the procedure. The amount of time a surgical abortion takes can change based on how far along the pregnancy is; as pregnancy progresses, more involved procedures that take longer are utilized for termination.

Most surgical abortions take under an hour for the procedure. However, the visit can take a few hours to complete paperwork beforehand and stay in recovery for about an hour after.

What Is a Surgical Abortion?

A surgical abortion is a procedure performed in a medical setting. The provider uses rods to dilate and hold the cervix open. Suction is used to remove the pregnancy from the woman’s uterus. Depending on how far along the pregnancy is, usually pregnancies over 12 weeks, additional surgical tools may be used to scrape and scoop the embryo and tissues out of the uterus.

Does a Surgical Abortion Have Risks?

Just like other medical procedures, abortion carries risks. Risks of surgical abortions can include:

Perforation of the uterus

Infection

Abnormal bleeding

Damage/injury to the cervix

Before an Abortion

If you think you are pregnant, your first step is pregnancy testing and confirmation via ultrasound. Even if you plan to terminate your pregnancy, an ultrasound is recommended before the procedure to ensure your safety. An ultrasound offers crucial information about your pregnancy to determine the appropriate procedure for you:

Confirmation: The ultrasound will show if the pregnancy is viable (healthy and growing). Up to 20% of pregnancies end in natural miscarriage. If you are miscarrying, you can still have a positive pregnancy test for weeks after. This step can keep you from an unnecessary procedure since many miscarriages will pass on their own.
Date: The abortion procedure recommended relies greatly on how far along your pregnancy is. For example, the FDA has only approved the abortion pill for up to 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Location: When an embryo implants outside the uterus, it results in what is called ectopic pregnancy, a life-threatening condition. An ectopic pregnancy will require immediate medical intervention to resolve. Abortion is not an appropriate treatment for this condition, so it is essential to diagnose it before an abortion.

Gathering the facts about abortion can help you feel more confident about your decision. Contact Ivy Women’s Center to schedule a no-cost appointment. Get the facts you’re looking for in a caring, judgment-free environment. We offer pregnancy testing and ultrasounds free of charge, so you can have all the information you need.

What Is a Surgical Abortion?

Does a Surgical Abortion Have Risks?

Before an Abortion

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