Abortion Techniques Before 14 Weeks

MEDICAL ABORTIONS RU-486 RU-486 is a medical abortion that is used very early in pregnancy, no later than nine weeks after your last period. Your doctor either gives you an oral dose or injects you with Mifepristone (Mifeprex). This drug stops the natural function of your body. The lining of your uterus softens and breaks down. Two days latter you return to the clinic for check-up. If the baby has not been expelled, you are given another drug, (Cytotec or Misoporstol) to make your cervix dilate, and your uterus contract to push the baby from your body, similar to labor. You have to visit the clinic a total of three times during this type of abortion. This procedure can cause cramping, bleeding, nausea and diarrhea. In some cases, this procedure results in a failed abortion. If so, the doctor will want to surgically extract the fetus. METHOTREXATE This drug was invented to fight cancer. It attacks cells that are growing rapidly and prevents them from multiplying, killing the embryo. Methotrexate is usually given as an injection. About a week later you insert vaginal suppositories of Misoprostol, causing contractions. This method is used up to seven weeks from the date of your last period. This drug has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for abortions. The procedure can cause excessive bleeding and cramping. If the abortion is not complete, you will be schedule for a surgical abortion. SURGICAL ABORTIONS SUCTION ASPIRATION For this procedure, you lie on your back with you feet in stirrups, and the doctor applies a shot of anesthetic to your cervix to reduce pain. Your cervical muscle is stretched with cone-shaped rods until the opening is wide enough to allow the abortion tools to pass into your uterus. Then the doctor guides the suction device through the cervix and into your uterus. When the suction machine is turned on, you feel the strong force of the vacuum which is used to pull the placenta and fetus into parts small enough to pass out of your body though the suction tube. DILATION and CURETTAGE (D&C) The doctor opens your cervix, as described above, but in this case a loop-shaped knife is used to scrap the wall of your uterus. This cuts the fetus and placenta into smaller parts, pulling them out of your body though the cervix. There is a higher risk of perforating your uterus with this procedure. A general anesthesia is usually required. Back to top

 

Abortion Techniques Between 14 and 22 Weeks

DIALATION AND EVACUATION (D&E) Because the bones of the fetus are larger and stronger by this time, the doctor uses a medical instrument to pull the fetus into smaller parts and removes those parts from your body through the cervix. This procedure requires that your cervix is opened wider than with “Suction” or “D&C” methods. Laminaria (a type of seaweed that expands when moist) is used to dilate the cervix over a two-day period. There is greater risk of harm to your reproductive organs. Back to top